Heavy rain has curtailed the first day of the Newstalk 106-108 FM Inter-Provincial Championship match between Northern Knights and Leinster Lightning at Waringstown.

The umpires called off play just after the tea interval with the Knights on 145 for 3 after 41 overs.

Former Zimbabwean Test player Craig Ervine who is in the process of qualifying for Ireland scored an unbeaten 57 from 86 balls (9 fours), sharing an unbroken partnership of 47 for the 4th wicket with skipper Andrew White (18*).

Nick Larkin and James Shannon formed a new opening partnership for the hosts, which ended with the total on 41 after Larkin was well caught by Albert van der Merwe off the bowling of Max Sorensen for a breezy 30 (5 fours). Yet again Larkin got a start but failed to carry on and his chances of making the Ireland World Cup squad continue to diminish.

Shannon also hoping to force his way back into International recognition followed soon after, caught down the leg side from the bowling of Tyrone Kane for just 16. Kane bowled economically conceding just 15 runs in his seven overs with 13 of those runs coming off two overs.
Sorensen (2-39) accounted for Chris Dougherty (18), well taken by Andrew Poynter at midwicket to leave the score on 98 for 3.

Leinster Lightning currently top the table, and a draw in the fixture will be enough to ensure they retain their Championship crown.

Play on day two will resume tomorrow once again at 11am.

NEWSTALK INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

At Waringstown, Day 1 close

NORTHERN KNIGHTS 145-3 (41 overs, C Ervine 57*, N Larkin 30, M Sorensen 2-39) v Leinster Lightning.