Southern sides on top in first round of RSA Irish Senior Cup

Southern sides were on top on the pitch, while also gaining benefit from the bad weather on Saturday in the first round of the RSA Irish Senior Cup. Only Leinster and Cork Harlequins departed the competition after defeats to North Down and Fox Lodge respectively, with six LCU sides gaining home advantage in refixtures after their away games were postponed.

Defending champions The Hills got the better of NCU side Instonians at Milverton, where Ireland international Max Sorensen impressed with both bat and ball in a 27-run victory.

Sorensen’s unbeaten 66 from 52 balls helped the home side make 214 for five in 39 overs.

Instonians were set a revised target of 197 in 31 overs, but after Andrew White departed for 50 they were all out for 170.

North County proved too strong for North West side Brigade at Balrothery, with Ciarán Garry (54) and John Mooney (41 not out) helping them secure a six-wicket win.

Pembroke went one better with a seven-wicket win over Creevedonnell, while Clontarf continued their fine start to the season with a 105-run victory over Ballymena at Castle Avenue.