A defiant Adam Dennison led Waringstown to their 28th Gallagher Challenge Cup title after a 9-wicket win against Instonians at Stormont.
Instonians, batting first, made a promising start with a 38-run opening partnership between Ireland international Cade Carmichael (24) and Rob McKinley. However, the innings quickly lost momentum. Daniel van der Merwe struck twice in successive deliveries to remove Nikolai Smith and professional Shane Dadswell, before Neil Rock’s brisk 26 briefly lifted the score to 101 for three.
McKinley battled hard for a fine 71 (8 fours, 1 six), but with Ross Allen and skipper Greg Thompson taking two wickets apiece, Instonians were dismissed for 189 in the 41st over, leaving overs unused and the target well within reach for the Villagers.
Waringstown’s reply began solidly as Adam Dennison and Sam Topping added 60 for the first wicket. Leading wicket-taker Cian Robertson claimed the breakthrough, but any hopes of an Instonians fightback were quickly dashed.
Gallagher NI Managing Director Shane Matthews with Gallagher POTM Adam Dennison (@CricketEurope)
Dennison, already with two Gallagher Challenge Cup final centuries to his name, combined with James McCollum in an unbroken 130-run partnership. The pair paced the chase expertly, securing victory in the 43rd over. Dennison finished unbeaten on 90 (10 fours), while McCollum struck 71 not out from 68 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes.
NCU President Bryan Milford presents the Gallagher Challenge Cup to Greg Thompson (@CricketEurope)
The result continues Waringstown’s proud tradition in the competition, adding another chapter to their illustrious history in NCU cricket.
Instonians 189 (40.1 overs, C Carmichael 24, N Rock 26, T Mayes 2-42, J Mitchell 2-37, D Van Der Merwe 2-51, R Allen 2-34, G Thompson 2-18)
Waringstown 190-1 (42.5 overs, S Topping 23, A Dennison 90*, J McCollum 71*)
Waringstown beat Instonians by 9 wickets