Northern Knights produced a marvellous bowling performance to bounce back from a poor batting display to beat North West Warriors after rain halted their inter-provincial Cup match just before three-quarters distance.

On a day when winning the toss should have gone a long way to winning the match, the Knights were bowled out for 123, but an inspired 10-over spell by Ruhan Pretorius and six accurate overs from Matthew Foster brought four wickets for 47.

And the fifth wicket, taken by Ben White, gave them a decisive 12 runs lead when the forecast rain arrived..

Ani Chore was the only Knights batsman who mastered the conditions, his 48 from an 85-ball stay three times more than the next highest individual score in the game, although Josh Manley deserves plenty of praise for facing 51 balls at No 9 and sharing in a stand of 31 with Chore.

Indeed only the second wicket stand of 33 between William Porterfield and Andy McBrine was bigger in the match but when the two experienced internationals were both dismissed in the space of eight balls to leave the Warriors on 37 for three, it was game on.

Despite the threat of rain, the home side didn’t threaten to up the pace until William McClintock came to the middle but even his defiant six from his 15th ball, proved to be the last of the match.

Graham Hume was the pick of the Warriors attack, deservedly finishing with his best figures in the competition and he got good support from opening partner Ryan McBeth and McBrine wrapped up in the innings in 45 overs.