LEINSTER LIGHTNING maintained their unbeaten record in the Hanley Energy InterProvincial Championship as they comfortably batted out the final day of their clash with Northern Knights at Clontarf.

Clearly determined not to repeat their first innings batting collapse, Lightning batted with great resolve, aided by ideal overhead conditions and a placid pitch.

North Down leg-spinner Jacob Mulder (2-62) did strike twice in the morning session to offer the Knights some hope, trapping Jack Tector lbw for 35 and having Dom Joyce well caught by Nikolai Smith at short cover for 32.

Lightning skipper John Anderson and Simmi Singh safely negotiated the final two sessions, sharing a century partnership which slowly sapped the energy and enthusiasm from a Knights side which would have started the day with genuine hopes of pulling off the win.

Singh and Anderson occupied the crease for 380 balls, adding an unbroken 146 before the sides shook hands on the draw an hour early. Singh top scored with 75 from 203 balls (5 fours), while Anderson faced 206 deliveries in his 68 not out (6 fours).

Leinster Lightning are back in action tomorrow when they take on NW Warriors in the Hanley Energy T20 Trophy at Merrion (5pm).

Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship

At Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Day 3 of 3

Northern Knights 1st inns 371-8 dec (J Shannon 85, N Smith 77, S Getkate 64*, G McCarter 43, J Holmes 25 L Nelson 23; G Dockrell 2-52, P Chase 2-57, J Carroll 2-61)

Leinster Lightning 77 (J Carroll 15; G McCarter 5-24, J Mulder 2-4, P Eaglestone 2-22) and 222-2 (93 overs; S Singh 75*, J Anderson 68*, J Tector 35, D Joyce 32, J Mulder 2-62).

Leinster Lightning 5 points drew with Northern Knights 10 points