An impressive stand of 152 by the two Andrews, Austin and McBrine, staved off the threat of a second innings defeat this season for the North West Warriors.

Their defiant third wicket partnership ensured this interpro would go into a third day, but the Northern Knights are still firm favourites to get their first win of the campaign.

Waringstown's Phil Eaglestone removed both batsmen late on the second day which ended with the visitors only 17 ahead with six wickets in hard.

Having resumed at 38 for four replying to the Knights' 400 for six declared, the Warriors unsurprisingly found themselves following on in the afternoon. The North West side did well to get their total to 233 thanks to some spirited middle and late order batting. Donemana's Ricky-Lee Dougherty was unbeaten on 46.

Eaglestone led the way with four wickets as Knights skipper James Shannon enforced the follow-on with his team 167 ahead and he was rewarded with three wickets for only 18 runs.

Bready wicket-keeper Austin and skipper McBrine then proceeded to hold the hosts up for 40 overs with a couple of rain breaks causing further frustration. Eaglestone finally made the double breakthrough, getting McBrine leg before for 71 and subsequently Austin for 84.

At Comber: Northern Knights 400-6 dec. North West Warriors 233 (RL Dougherty 46 not out, O Williams 43, C Young 30, S Thompson 29, S Randiv 21; P Eaglestone 4-54, Nat Smith 2-35, J Mulder 2-50, R McKinley 2-62) and 184-4 (A Austin 84, A McBrine 71; P Eaglestone 3-29).