CIYMS continued their superb early season form as they defeated NCU kingpins North Down by 10 runs in a thrilling Lagan Valley Steels Twenty20 Cup tie at The Green last night.

Barry Cooper top scored with 61 from only 54 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, and PJ Moor struck 22 from 14 as CI posted 144 for six batting first.

That total seemed more than enough as North Down slumped to 96 for seven as Jeremy Bray and Ross Boultwood claimed two wickets apiece.

However, a defiant eighth-wicket stand between Peter Eakin and Marty Moreland threatened an unlikely comeback for the home side. Teenager Eakin hit an unbeaten 29 from only 15 balls, including three fours and a six, and Moreland was not out on 18 from 12. They started the last over from Ryan Adair with 21 still needed and it proved too big a task.

The other game between Carrickfergus and Waringstown was washed out, with Carrick winning 3-0 on a bowl-out conducted over the telephone.

Result: CI 144-6 (B Cooper 61, J Bray 22, PJ Moor 22, D Kennedy 2-25, R Haire 2-28). North Down 134-7 (R Haire 29, P Eakin 29 no, J Bray 2-20, R Boultwood 2-26). CIYMS won by 10 runs.