Lurgan’s title and promotion ambitions suffered a damaging setback as Templepatrick continued their recent habit of putting a major spoke in the wheels of Championship contenders with a four-wicket victory.

Lurgan were bowled out for 161 in 47 overs, despite a patient 47 from Liam Doddrell and an unbeaten 43 from John Guy.

They were in trouble at 37 for four before Doddrell attempted to rebuild the innings, while Guy’s late resistance, aided by Nithin Babu’s 23, at least gave the visitors something to defend. Jancan Adams was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four for 22.

Nik Kane made 39 at the top of the order, although wickets continued to fall and the contest remained alive when Templepatrick slipped to 106 for five.

Nick Van Der Linde then changed the complexion of the game completely with a superb unbeaten 68 from just 32 deliveries. His explosive innings contained eight sixes and three fours, carrying Templepatrick to the brink before Andrew Greer’s unbeaten 10 helped seal victory at 162 for six.

John Guy took two wickets for Lurgan, while Liam Doddrell, Nithin Babu, Ivan Sinovich and Brendon Schmidt claimed one each.

The defeat is a significant blow to Lurgan’s hopes of taking the title and securing promotion, but their challenge is far from over. They now face a must-win final fixture against Carrickfergus on Thursday, knowing victory is essential if they are to keep their promotion ambitions alive.