CRICKET: NORTH COUNTY kept up their push for a third straight Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup on Saturday with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Waringstown at The Lawn.

South African professional François van der Merwe tore a hole in Waringstown's top order, taking three wickets as they were reduced to eight for four. North County took just 35 overs to knock off the runs, with Conor Armstrong hitting 53, while Brian Shields finished unbeaten on 40.

Last year's beaten finalists Donemana saw off The Hills by nine wickets at Milverton.

In the remaining ties, Lisburn proved too strong for YMCA, winning by five wickets at Claremont Road, Old Belvedere lost to Limavady by six wickets in Cabra, while CIYMS beat Phoenix by 88 runs at Belmont.

Meanwhile, a fine performance from Saad Ullah helped Railway Union beat Leinster by six wickets to claim the Dublin Grass Machinery League Cup.