Armagh warmed up for Sunday’s T20 Trophy final against Carrickfergus with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Cregagh at The Mall.

The home side produced a disciplined bowling display to dismiss Cregagh for 144 in a reduced 46-over contest before racing to their target in only 22.3 overs.

Cregagh captain Bob Moore made 32 and Danny Cooper top-scored with 40, but neither was able to convert a promising start into the major innings required.

Aaron Johnston contributed 21 and Ben Browne added 22, but the visitors lost their final six wickets for only 51 runs after reaching 93 for four.

Luan Liebenberg was outstanding for Armagh, claiming three for 24 from 10 overs, five of which were maidens. His victims included Johnston, Peter Davison and James Reid as Cregagh’s middle order was dismantled.

Aaron Wright and Matthew Wright collected two wickets apiece, while Michael Hoey and Ben Mackey also struck. Matthew Wilson completed the innings by removing Graeme Hassard with his second delivery.

Armagh lost Harry Doyle for one early in their reply, but Samuel Wilson quickly took control with a superb unbeaten 89.

Wilson struck 10 fours and four sixes in a dominant innings that ensured the chase was never in doubt. He shared a commanding second-wicket partnership with Jamie Rogers, who made 38 and struck six boundaries before being trapped lbw by Andrew Nelson.

Aaron Wright joined Wilson to complete the job, as Armagh reached their modest target with more than 23 overs remaining.

The comprehensive victory provided Armagh with the perfect preparation for Sunday’s decider, with both their bowlers and top order finding form ahead of the clash with Carrickfergus.