Just how crucial the six run win for North County against Railway Union on Saturday will prove should become clear in the coming weeks, but the manner in which the Balrothery side celebrated suggests there is a now a real belief that the ignomony of releagtion can be avoided.

In a game reduced to just 20 overs per side County put what looked a very modest 100 for 5 on the board, with Ciaran Garry and Manmeet Singh making 26 apiece, and Conor Armstrong scoring 19.

Pat Collins picked up 2 for 17, with Greg Lambert, Mo Tariq and Paddy Conliffe the other wicket takers.

A quite superb bowling performance from County backed up by an athletic and determined fielding display pulled off what looked a n unlikely win.

Railway were restrcited to 94 for 9 despite the best efforts of Sean Grehan (20), Saad Ullad (17), Tim Townend (16) and Paddy Conliffe (15).

Eddie Richardson (3-11), Conor Sheil (3-20) and Ian Bertram (2-23) were the bowling heries for County in what could well be a pivotal win.