There was a controversial conclusion to the NW Premiership clash at Beechgrove between defending champions Brigade and expected challengers Newbuildings.

Chasing 233, the contest was evenly poised with David Barr’s unbeaten 80 having the hosts 160 for 4 in the 39th over when a shower stopped play. Brigade failed to produce a DLS sheet which calculates revised targets in the event of stoppages, with the umpires automatically awarding the match to Newbuildings.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Brigade, but Newbuildings will care little as they get their season up and running.

Earlier, a century stand between Jason Dunn (66) and Ryan Hunter (61) laid an excellent platform before Jamie Millar’s five-wicket haul saw them falter to 232 for eight.