Carrick win throws Section One race wide open

Carrickfergus blew the Section One title and promotion race wide open with a crucial victory over Armagh, turning the battle at the top into a three-way contest.

Armagh posted a formidable 257 for six from their 50 overs after recovering from the loss of Harry Doyle for a duck in the opening over.

Aaron Wright anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 82 from 102 balls, but the major impetus came from Luan Liebenberg. The South African struck eight fours and two sixes in a fluent 76 from 74 deliveries as the pair added 145 for the fourth wicket.

Ben Mackey provided a late flourish with 27 from just 16 balls, while CJ Van der Walt claimed three for 55 for Carrick.

The visitors lost Eian Marillier for nought and were 48 for three after Iain Parkhill departed, but Atish Varape steadied matters with 44.

Captain Van der Walt then took control with a superb unbeaten 66 from 54 balls, striking eight fours and a six to keep Carrick firmly in contention.

Jay Parkhill made 27, before Alex Haggan increased the tempo with 22 from only 13 deliveries, including two sixes.

Ben Martin then joined Van der Walt and hammered an unbeaten 20 from 11 balls, with two maximums, as Carrick reached their revised target from the penultimate ball as they secured the vital win.

Aaron Wright took two wickets for Armagh, while Liebenberg conceded just 13 from his eight overs.

The result leaves Carrick very much in the promotion picture and sets up a fascinating three-way fight for the Section One crown.