The Comber club is reckoned to be one of the best in Northern Ireland, so with home advantage at The Green, their 2nd XI was confidently predicted to be favourites to advance against the Division 1 Section 3 outfit, but they were outclassed by the massive margin of 106 runs.

The pundits seemed to have it correct when Artie Campbell's lads were reduced to 24 for 4, with their top four batsmen Richard Greer, Colin Morrow, Neil Reynolds and Campbell all back in the pavilion, but then Robert Smith and James Jackson staged a remarkable recovery.

Teenager Smith, who has represented his country at various levels, seemed set to record the first century of the season, with some impressive hitting in twenty overs, before being clean bowled on 98. Jackson who has also gained representative honours contributed a valuable 45, to swing the game in Temple's favour, but that was only the start.

Batting at number eight Chris Busby scored 50, while another bowler, Josh Dailly hit a brisk 45, with Templepatrick closing with an almost unbeatable 306 on the scoreboard.

North Down's reply got off to a shaky start, with James Jackson claiming two wickets in his opening over. One of these wickets fell to a magnificent full length diving catch by Robert Smith at short cover with the score on 15.

The locals rallied, scoring at five an over, but were pegged back when seventeen year old Josh Dailly joined the attack. He took two wickets in quick succession and spinner Smith did likewise when he had his turn, while sixteen year old Simon Beattie bagged a brace in his first over, and Chris Busby also weighed in with a couple.

Wickets were falling regularly, and with the required run rate now up to in excess of seven an over, North Down were in dire trouble, and their interest in this prestigious trophy ended when they were all out for exactly 200.

Commenting Templepatrick's Cricket Development Officer, Andy McCrea, who is one of Northern Ireland's top coaches said, "This was a fantastic result, after having our top four batsmen back in the clubhouse with only fifteen runs on the board. Full credit to our young lions who stepped up to the plate and did the business. John Busby, Keith Wilson and myself who were all unavailable for this match will have our work cut out to reclaim our places," ended Andy.

Templepatrick : C Morrow, R Greer, N Reynolds, A Campbell (C), R Smith, J Jackson, G Anderson, C Busby, J Dailly, S Beattie, S Boyd.

In the next round Templepatrick have a home game against Woodvale II at The Cloughan on Saturday 17th May. Meanwhile this weekend's keenly awaited local derby against Academy is postponed, owing to the Hydepark lads having to play their postponed Junior cup tie in Dungannon.