In the latest cricket news, the Northern Knights fell one run short, after needing 47 runs to win from the final three overs against North West Warriors during the first game of Friday.
Neil Rock (45) and Ross Adair (26) collected 24 runs off Craig Young’s fourth over to bring their team to the brink of a brilliant win, but Shane Getkate, who bowled the final over – held his nerve to ensure that Ross Adair couldn’t swing the last ball freely.
Earlier in the day, Knights skipper Harry Tector had won the toss and invited the North West Warriors to bat first, with hopes to take advantage of any moisture in the pitch after Thursday's rain.
Despite a shaky start, the Warriors finished their 20 overs on a competitive 160-6, led by William McClintock’s exhilarating 54 off 32 deliveries, well supported by Shane Getkate's 36 and Andy McBrine unbeaten 27.
Man of the Match McClintock’s stunning knock featured 3 fours and 4 big sixes, and was part of an 84-run fourth wicket partnership with Getkate from just 51 balls. Walking in with his team looking in early trouble at 31-3, the Donemana skipper smashed the ball around the park with ease, displaying the power-hitting ability that he is known for.
In reply, the Knights were off to a poor start, losing the wicket of star batsman Paul Stirling in the first over for 1. James McCollum (11) and Jeremy Lawlor (28) looked to get their proceedings back on track, but McCollum perished to an impressive running catch at mid off by McBrine. Lawlor fell to a brilliant run out from Graham Kennedy.
When Mark Adair got out on 23, the Knights were 90-5 in the14th over, appearing well adrift of the target, until a fiery 14 off Ruhan Pretorius, then the partnership between Ross Adair and Rock made it a tense finish to the game.
MATCH SUMMARY
North West Warriors v Northern Knights, Inter-Provincial Trophy, Bready Cricket Club, 25 June 2021
Warriors 160-6 (20 overs; W McClintock 54, S Getkate 36; L Georgeson 2-30)
Knights 159-8 (20 overs; N Rock 45; A McBrine 1-19)
North West Warriors won by 1 run
