Waringstown keep pressure on Holywood with rain-shortened win

Defending champions Waringstown moved into second place and maintained the pressure on champions-elect Holywood with a commanding 10-wicket victory over North Down in a rain-reduced five-over contest.

Persistent rain meant the game was dramatically shortened, leaving little margin for error as North Down were restricted to 40 for two from their five overs.

Captain Gracie Keenan provided the bulk of the scoring with 26 from 18 deliveries, striking three boundaries, while Rebecca Webster contributed 11 from 13 balls.

The pair carried the total to 40 before Keenan was run out with two deliveries remaining and Webster fell to Charlotte Lyons from the final ball.

Waringstown then made short work of their 41-run target, racing home without losing a wicket in just 3.2 overs.

Abbi Harrison was the chief aggressor, smashing an unbeaten 29 from only 15 balls and finding the boundary five times.

Cara Murray provided excellent support with 11 not out from just five deliveries, including two fours, as the defending champions wrapped up victory with 10 balls to spare.

The emphatic success lifted Waringstown into second position and ensures they remain in contention should runaway leaders Holywood falter during the closing stages of the campaign. The sides meet next Sunday when a win for Holywood would all but ensure the crown would be going to Seapark.