Knights spin their way past Bolts 

Half-centuries from CSNI pair Ryan Hunter and Jordan Neill helped Emerging Knights to a 31-run victory over champions Leinster Lightning Bolts at Oak Hill.

Hunter top-scored with 67, striking nine fours and a six, while Neill injected late momentum with a rapid 57 from 44 balls, including four sixes. Carson McCullough then added a valuable unbeaten run-a-ball 40 as the Knights posted 239.

Leinster seamer Mark Tonge was outstanding, claiming five wickets for 58 to complete back-to-back five-wicket hauls.

You couldn't but be impressed by he Bolts’ pace attack on a quick Oak Hill surface and a parched outfield that resembled the Oval in 1976 for those of a certain vintage..

Leinster's Mark Tonge was the spearhead - super impressive and excellent all day. He and the Bolts seamers didn’t miss much and were really, really good was the assessment afterwards.

Leinster looked well placed in reply as Tom Johnson launched a fierce counter-attack, smashing 10 fours and three sixes in a 56-ball 72. Rob O’Brien added 33 as the hosts reached 166 for three and appeared firmly in contention.

However, Johnson’s dismissal transformed the contest.

The Knights turned increasingly to spin and were rewarded as the ball began to grip sharply, Leinster losing their final seven wickets for just 42 runs to be bowled out for 208.

Bangor's Brodie Harrison led the collapse with four for 26, while teenager James West continued his impressive recent form with three for just 15.

It was in essence really a battle of the Bolts seamers against the Knights spinners - and it was a case of 'spin to win'.

The sides meet again on Wednesday at the same venue.