Muckamore ended their 61-year wait for a second NCU Challenge Cup success as they beat Lisburn by 7 wickets (DLS) in a thrilling rain-affected final at Stormont.

Chasing an initial 266, rain showers meant their target was first adjusted to 215 in 38 overs, then when they forced off the field at 148 for 3 in the 30th over, a further 20 was required from 16 balls in the final spell of the day.

Mark Gleghorne and Ben Calitz held their nerve to clinch the historic win with three balls to spare, sparking scenes of jubilation among the Moylena faithful – and who could deny them having waited so long.

Gleghorne – capped 164 times by GB and England as a hockey international including two World Cups and the 2016 Olympics – used all the experience garnered from pressure situations to get them over the line. He and Calitz – a former Canadian youth international – fourth wicket stand was worth 68, coming from 50 balls.

There were runs too for Satish Suresh (30) and Jason van Merwe (24) in an impressive chase that ensured Muckamore were always up with the DLS requirements – their wickets in hand as well as run-rate crucial factors.

It was no doubt a vital toss for Neil Gill to win, and they were boosted by the relatively early wicket of Faiz Fazal (13) – one of three for Satish Suresh.

Jonathan Waite made a breezy 41, but he and Nigel Jones both fell in quick succession to golden arm Jason van der Merwe (2-30).

Wallace Park skipper Neil Whitworth got bogged down, but Mark Adair – playing domestically for just the third time – looked fluent as he top-scored with 56 from 57 balls (5 fours, 1 six). His concentration was broken by the second rain-break of the innings but Glenn Halliday’s unbeaten 45 got Lisburn to a very competitive 265 for 8 as Muckamore wilted somewhat in the closing stages of the innings.

Thankfully for them though it didn’t prove crucial in the final analysis and the celebrations began. It mightn’t be the end of the partying for Muckamore who are right bang in contention for the Premiership title too – now wouldn’t that be a way to mark their 150th centenary season!