Newbuildings moved another significant step towards the title with a maximum-points victory over Coleraine, winning by 157 runs after an authoritative all-round display.

A solid top-order platform laid the foundations, with Mark Hanna making 29, Jason Dunn 35 and Ryan Hunter 21 before Peat Salmon added a brisk 28.

The innings was then transformed by a match-defining fifth-wicket stand of 101 between Jared Wilson and Ross Dougherty. Wilson top-scored with 83 from 76 balls, striking five fours and five sixes, while Dougherty made 64 from 62 deliveries as Newbuildings powered to 294 for eight.

Varun Chopra was Coleraine’s most successful bowler with three wickets, while Scott Campbell claimed two.

Coleraine’s reply never seriously threatened the target despite a defiant 70 from Campbell, who became a father for the first time during the week and showed that any sleepless nights have done little to affect his batting.

He struck eight fours and two sixes in a determined 105-ball innings, but received precious little support as Newbuildings steadily tightened their grip.

Peat Salmon was outstanding with the ball, returning remarkable figures of four for 12 from his 10 overs spell, including five maidens.

Jason Dunn added two for eight, while Gregory McFaul and Josh Wilson also struck as Coleraine were dismissed for 137.

It was another emphatic statement from Newbuildings, who could collect the title on Sunday at Donemana, although that would also depend not only on beating the hosts with at least two bonus points, but also on Fox Lodge losing at home to Bready.