Thompson stars as Warriors beat Knights

STUART THOMPSON’S fine all-round display helped the NW Warriors to a 12-run win in the Hanley Energy T20 Trophy at Comber on Friday night.
The Eglinton all-rounder hit six boundaries as he top scored with 27 from 23 balls in a Warriors total of 130 for 7.
Opening partner David Rankin made 23 as he and Thompson added 47 from just 33 balls to give the Warriors a blistering start.
Shane Getkate (3-22) and South African international Rusty Theron (1-16) pegged back the Warriors despite the best efforts of Danxa Hyatt (22*).
In reply, the Knights struggled despite chasing what looked on paper a modest target. Thompson mixed up his pace and length well to claim 2 for 12 in his four overs as the required rate steadily climbed.
Pieter Malan and Nigel Jones both made 25, but no Knights batsman was able to force the pace as Warriors skipper Andy McBrine juggled his attack superbly.
Graeme McCarter (16*) struck some lusty blows, but it was very much a case of too little, too late as the Warriors closed out a 12-run win.
The Warriors are back in action on Monday, when they entertain Leinster Lightning in a 50-over contest at Strabane, followed by a 3-day Championship match against the same opposition at Bready.
Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy
At Comber, NW Warriors beat Northern Knight by 12 runs
NW Warriors 130/7 (S Thompson 27, D Rankin 23, D Hyatt 22, S Getkate 3-22, R Theron 1-16)
Northern Knights 118-7 (P Malan 25, N Jones 25, S Thompson 2-12, D Hyatt 2-26)