CSNI moved into third place in the table with a hard-fought 9-run DLS victory over Muckamore.

CSNI Women: Pic CSNI Facebook

The result leaves CSNI level on points with Lisburn and four behind unbeaten leaders Holywood, although they have played one game more.

Batting first, CSNI recovered from a disastrous start to post 120 for eight from their 19 overs. They were struggling at 13 for four before Hannah Gordon and Vanessa Minford transformed the innings with a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 95.

Gordon top-scored with 48 from 49 deliveries, striking five boundaries, while Minford made 33. Their stand gave CSNI a competitive total after Nikki Niblock had claimed three early wickets.

Niblock finished with three for 13, while Oshadi Ranasinghe took two for 15.

Muckamore’s reply was built around an unbeaten 26 from Susanne Keates. Becky Heyburn also made 26 before falling to Emily Carville, while Ranasinghe gave the chase momentum with 38 from 32 balls, including two fours and a six.

However, Muckamore were unable to find the boundaries required in the closing overs. Eva Wilson dismissed Ranasinghe and Rachel King in the final over to finish with two for 21.

Muckamore closed on 110 for four, leaving CSNI with an important victory that strengthened their position near the top of the table.