In the Ulster Shield final Karl O'Doherty's Eglinton side locked horns with Muckamore at the Hunter Grounds in Limavady.

Two very early wickets for Wylie had the NCU men in all sorts of bother before Indrajeet Kamtekar and Conor Breet set about repairing the damage. Professional Kamtekar hit 7 fours and a six in his 63 while Breet found the rope just four times in his 60 but on a day when real fluency was at a premium, 183 for 5 looked useful.

Eglinton applied themselves well in the chase with in-form Wylie (47) and Christopher Pierce (37) keeping them on course early on. Stephen Smyth then took on the mantle of trying to bring the shield to the North West for the first time but some tight bowling kept the visitors inches ahead on the run rate.

Heading to the last over Eglinton needed 10 to win which subsequently came down to 5 needed from the last ball with Smyth on strike. The former Ireland International gave it all he had and found the boundary all right but only with a four.

That left the scores tied and the Belfast side picked up the spoils courtesy of having lost fewer wickets in their innings. It was a sickening way to lose for Eglinton but at least now the skipper will be able to rally the troops for a shot at the one prize they have eyed all season- a return to Division 1 cricket.

For Muckamore it continued an amazing run of trophies at all levels for the club which must have left a few sore heads at the Co Antrim venue.

ULSTER SHIELD FINAL

At Limavady; Muckamore 183-5-40 (I Kamtekar 63, C Breet 60, R Wylie 2-21, N Stewart 2-43) beat Eglinton 183-7-40 (S Smyth 55*, R Wylie 47, C Pierce 37, N Gill 2-38, C Breet 2-54) on fewer wickets lost.