Defending champions Bready showed again that they could well be the side to beat as they thumped Brigade by 76 runs at Beechgrove. Former Irish international David Rankin led the way with an unbeaten 109 from 96 balls (7 fours, 7 sixes) as he and Irosh Samarasooriya shared a stand of 138 in 24 overs. The Sri Lankan was in imperious form too as his 74 came from just 58 balls, and included 6 fours and 4 sixes. A total of 225 for 4 was always going to be a challenge in a match reduced to 33 overs, and that was how it transpired, despite a lively start by Ifty Hussain (23), and also the removal of Gregory McFaul after just two balls by the umpire. Wickets for skipper David Scanlon, Scott Macbeth and Khayat Bhavsar saw Brigade dismissed for 149, with Ryan Macbeth hitting 37 late on in a forlorn chase.

Ardmore are second in the Group after a high-scoring win over Bonds Glen at The Bleachgreen. The home side racked up 320 for 2 in 38 overs, with centuries for Dharm Singh and Harry Zimmermann. Singh top-scored with 133 from just 91 balls (14 fours, 6 sixes) dominating an opening stand of 97 with Tim Harris, and adding 120 for the second wicket with Zimmermann. The young Australian reached his own three figures in the final over, his 101 not out taking 88 balls (15 fours, 1 six). Zimmermann and Rachit Gaur (37*) adding an unbroken 104 for the third wicket. The Bee Gees reply was in trouble at 40 for 4, but they too showed just how good a batting track it was. Mattie Barr hit his second century in two days, making an unbeaten 140 from 102 balls (11 fours, 10 sixes), adding 207 with youngster Sam Haslett, who scored his first senior half century, making 56 not out as they ended on 247 for 4.

Glendermott won their first league match of the season as they put a serious dent in Strabane’s hopes of making the cut-off. Half centuries for skipper Ben Mills and Alan Johnson powered them to 209 for 8 in a contest reduced to 32 overs. Mills top-scored with 70 from 67 balls (5 fours, 6 sixes), while Johnson’s 55 from just 39 balls included 4 sixes and fours. Ryan Gallagher took three wickets in four balls as the Rectory side chased quick runs. Six of the Strabane top seven made double figure scores, but none was able to kick on. Three wickets for Busty McDermott and Curtis Ross restricting them to 137 for 9.

Fox Lodge are in prime position to claim the fourth place in the group after a St Johnston collapse saw them take victory at Ballymagorry. An opening stand of 105 between Jason Milligan (74) and Dean McCarter (30) gave the Foxes a strong start as they scored 184 for 6 in the 32-over game. Sachin Babu (47) and David Anthony (30) looked to be leading the Saints to victory in the chase at 144 for 4, but four wickets for Johnny Robinson (4/19) saw them lose their last six wickets for only four runs to give the Foxies a 36-run win.