Holywood produced a statement performance as they swept aside defending champions Waringstown Women by 62 runs after a dominant all-round display inspired by skipper Madison Landsman. Holywood piled up an imposing 174-1 from their 20 overs, with Landsman in devastating form. The captain hammered an unbeaten 115 from just 61 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and three sixes in a superb innings that took the game away from the hosts. She shared a commanding 113-run stand with Christina Soulsby, who contributed a composed 37, before adding a further 61 in the final four overs alongside Erin Bond, who finished unbeaten on 13. The only breakthrough for Waringstown came when Lucia Derby claimed the sole wicket of the innings. Facing a daunting chase, Waringstown were always struggling to keep pace with the required rate and eventually closed on 112-9. Captain Naomi Matthews top-scored with 25, while Penny Speer made 23 and Sophie Hinds added 20. Landsman capped a memorable outing by taking 3-18, with Bond claiming 2-17 as Holywood cruised to an impressive victory that outlines their title credentials.

Muckamore edged a tense contest at Moylena by 11 runs as Instonians were left to rue a costly number of extras in a closely-fought encounter. Batting first, Muckamore posted 141-6 from their 20 overs, with Beth McCrea leading the way with 31, striking four boundaries in a lively innings at the top of the order. Rebekah Mairs then provided an important late flourish, finishing unbeaten on 23 from just 16 balls, including three fours. However, the defining contribution to the innings came from Instonians’ indiscipline with the ball. Muckamore were gifted 46 extras, including a remarkable 36 wides, and those additional runs ultimately proved decisive. Sanvi Vinothkumar was the pick of the bowlers claiming 3-40. Instonians battled hard in reply and looked in contention for much of the chase thanks to an excellent third-wicket partnership of 66 between Anna Ellerby and Matilda McCartney. Ellerby anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 from 45 balls, while McCartney made an aggressive 36 from 25 deliveries, hitting five boundaries. Despite their efforts, Instonians closed on 130-4, just short of their target.

An outstanding all-round display from overseas player Talia Hurley guided Lisburn to a convincing 27-run victory over CSNI in the Women's Premiership. Hurley dominated the Lisburn innings with a superb 80 from 60 balls, striking 14 boundaries in a commanding knock that formed the backbone of her side’s total of 131-7 from 20 overs. While wickets fell regularly around her, the New Zealander kept the scoreboard moving throughout with a mixture of timing and aggression. CSNI fought back well with the ball, led by Vanessa Minford and Katie West, who both claimed two wickets. Minford’s accurate spell earned figures of 2-14, while West picked up 2-36. In reply, CSNI never quite managed to build the momentum required in the chase. Captain Jemma Gillan top-scored with a steady 29, but regular wickets left the home side struggling to keep pace with the asking rate. Hurley then capped a memorable performance by taking 2-13 to help derail the chase, while Lucy Andrews and Amelia Hughes also collected two wickets apiece as CSNI closed on 104-8.

Waringstown were on top form as they easily beat Instonians by 108 runs. Charlotte Lyons hit 14 boundaries in a top-score of 86, sharing a second wicket stand of 184 with skipper Naomi Matthews, whose 58-ball 81 (11 fours, one six) took them to 216 for three. Instonians got halfway to their target as Anna Ellerby made 37 and Penny Speer took three wickets.

Lisburn were five-wicket winners over Muckamore, for whom Nikki Niblock made 38 of their modest 71-run total – three wickets each for Lauren Foster, Sophie Orr and Talia Hurley. The chase wasn’t straightforward as Lisburn collapsed to 11 for five, but Orr (33 not out) and Hurley with an unbeaten 27 guided them home.

South African overseas player Nicolien van Rensburg took five wickets – including a hat-trick – as North Down skittled CSNI for just 22 at Comber. Evey Keenan was also in the action with three scalps. North Down cruised to a nine-wicket win in just the fourth over.

Last season’s runners-up Holywood are expected to be one of Waringstown’s main rivals this campaign and the Seapark side flexed their muscles with a comprehensive 106-run victory against North Down. Holywood never looked back after a quickfire opening stand of 109 in just 76 balls between Madison Landsman and Christina Soulsby. South African all-rounder Landsman – who has represented the Netherlands internationally – top-scored with 63 from only 36 balls (nine fours, two sixes), while English-born Soulsby offered excellent support with a well made 32 that included four boundaries. There were runs too for Erin Bond (25), and Lily Andrews (15) in their total of 165 for four. Kathryn Rogers was the stand-out performer with the ball taking three wickets which included the first ball dismissal of Lara Maritz - she bounced back though with the ball to claim two early scalps, and with Nina Kerr picking up four wickets for just three runs, North Down were bundled out for just 59.

CSNI also made a winning start with a 55-run win over Instonians. Captain Jemma Gillan (37) and Emily Carville (26) were the main scorers in their total of 162 for seven – boosted by no fewer than 66 extras! Katie West then captured four wickets as Inst’ were bowled out for 109 – Erin Mitchell making 21.

Waringstown began their defence of the Mercury NCU Women’s Premiership with an emphatic ten-wicket win over Lisburn at The Lawn. Batting first, Lisburn were steady if not spectacular thanks to runs from the top order, with Grace Wilson top-scoring with 35 in their total of 120 for four. She was well supported by Amelia Hughes who made an unbeaten 29, Rebecca Lowe, who hit four boundaries in a rapid 23, and Taila Hurley (17). Waringstown’s attack never took the pressure off with wickets for Penny Speer and Lucia Derby, backed up by an athletic fielding effort that effected two run-outs. A heavy shower two overs into the chase saw a 50-minute hiatus, leading to a revised target of 55 inside eight overs. That proved no trouble at all to the home side openers, with Sophie Hinds making an undefeated 25 and Irish hopeful Abbi Harrison 24 not out as they knocked off the required runs with an over to spare to claim a maximum points victory.