Atish Varape and Alex Haggan were the stars for Carrickfergus as they beat Armagh by seven wickets in their Section One league opener, played on a T20 basis after Saturday's original fixture was postponed.

Batting first, Armagh started well reaching 77 for 2 in the 12th over, with new overseas professional Luan Liebenberg top-scoring with 43 from 35 balls (3 fours, 1 six).

However, Alex Haggan (4-14), Atish Varape (3-11) and skipper CJ van der Walt (2-15) were all among the wickets as The Mall side lost their last eight wickets for just 27 runs to be a modest 104 all out.

Bat presentation to Atish Varape: Pic Carrickfergus CC

The chase didn't start well for the home side with wickets for Liebenberg, Harry Boyd and a Gareth McCarter run out seeing them faltering at 27 for 3 in the 7th over.

Thereafter though, Varape and Haggan followed up their bowling exploits with an unbroken 4th wicket stand of 80 in 11 overs to ensure an ultimately comfortable seven-wickets win.

Varape top-scored with an unbeaten 49 from 45 balls (5 fours, 1 six), while Haggan cleared the ropes twice in his even time 34 not out.

Carrick are next in action on Bank Holiday Monday when they travel to Bangor, while Armagh host Downpatrick on the same day.