CRICKET: Five star Neil Gill leads Muckamore to triumph in Ulster Shield against Downpatrick

The Ireland ‘A’ international took 5 for 9 to leave the Downpatrick pursuit of 197 in tatters as they slumped to 35 for 8.

Ross Boultwood (31) struck a few lusty blows, but two wickets apiece for Weir and Nicholl saw them dismissed for just 76.

Earlier, former Irish international Ryan Haire top scored with 46 and Sam Gordon made an unbeaten 44 as Muckamore posted 196 for 6.

Gill (38) was also among the runs with Magowan (34) in a solid batting effort by the Moylena side.

The win is a record sixth in the competition for Muckamore - whether they can make it a magnificent 7 depends on which league they will be playing in during 2017.

They currently sit top of NCU Senior One and are on course for promotion to the Premier League.

O’NEILLS ULSTER SHIELD FINAL SCORECARD

Muckamore beat Downpatrick by 120 runs.

Muckamore 196-6 (40 overs, R Haire 46, S Gordon 44*, N Gill 38, J Magowan 34, D Mullan 2-25, J Wade 2-30)

Downpatrick 76 (20.4 overs, R Boultwood 31, N Gill 5-9, C Weir 2-22, G Nicholl 2-33)