A big crowd turned up at Beechgrove on Wednesday evening to watch the North West Warriors prepare for the start of their Interprovincial T20 campaign in Dublin on Friday with a challenge match against the North West President's Select.

The Limavady Road venue was in pristine condition and bathed in sunshine as Ian McGregor's men racked up 195 for 2 in their 20 overs having won the toss and opted to bat.

Marco Marais (57 not out) and David Rankin (56) looked in superb touch, while Andy McBrine (32 not out) and Stuart Thompson (26) ensured that the quartet who got in, got runs under their belt.

Mind you, the NW Select didn't fare too badly when it came their turn to bat either- Andrew Riddles in particular in commanding form as he made 59 with cameos from Aaron Gillespie and Peat Salmon.

While the result mattered little, the Warriors had 43 runs to spare at the end; the Chairman's team closing on 152 for 6 with Andy Britton (2-21) proving best with the ball.

Head Coach, McGregor seemed well pleased with the evening's work as he prepared for Friday's journey south. "I honestly couldn't have asked for better" he said.

"The ground at Beechgrove was an absolute credit to the club and I wish to put my thanks on record for all those who worked so hard to have it ready.".

"This was exactly the workout I had been hoping for and the great weather and big crowd made the whole thing really worthwhile."

The real business gets under way for the Warriors this coming Friday with the start of their T20 programme at Merrion (5pm).