Academy climb up to top half of table with win at Downpatrick

After having been put in, Matthew Palmer’s lads picked up the points with 49 runs to spare in a rain affected fixture in which the Duckworth-Lewis formula had to be employed.

A second wicket partnership of 70 between Mark Shields (36) and Mitch Atkins (35) laid the foundation for their 8th win of the season, but Downpatrick players must have been feeling quite confident when they restricted the visitors to 113 for 5 before rain stopped play in the 35th over.

Following a delay of almost three hours, play eventually resumed with the home side set a revised target of 125 in 26 overs, but they were bowled out for 76 in the 24th over.

Atkins confirmed his all-rounder status with 3 for 18 with support from Josh Stinson (2 for 8), Waqas Mohammad (2 for 14), Chris Halliday (1 for 7) and Mitchell Dickeson (1 for 21).