Cricke/Leinster Senior Cupt:  One of the favourites for the Leinster Senior Cup, North County, had a real scare in the first round yesterday when they were pushed all the way by a tenacious Hills side at Inch.

A fluent century from Conor Armstrong saved the day for County as they successfully chased The Hills' formidable total of 303 in 60 overs.

Armstrong's total of 120 came off just 133 balls and included 15 boundaries, but even that big knock did not prevent an exciting finish, with Rynard Strydon hitting a six to win the match for the home side with just four balls and three wickets to spare.

Earlier, Gavin Morgan - brother of Ireland international Eoin - made 66 against his younger sibling's club with solid contributions also from Bryn Thomas (63), Luke Clinton (44) and Patrick Byrne (41).

But Inch is a tight ground and with the depth of batting that North County have at their disposal, you can never discount a big run chase. Paul Mooney supported Armstrong well with a nicely timed 54 to put his side into the second round where they will face another tough game, this time away to Clontarf.