Cricket's veterans rolled back the years at Merrion's Anglesea Road ground as the Northern XI defeated the Southern XI by five wickets in the inaugural Over-50s Interprovincial match.

Southern XI: Rodney Smythe

Batting first, the Southern XI posted 155-8 from their 30 overs. Terenure's Colm Morgan led the way with a fluent 60, striking 11 boundaries, while Cheetan Suttraway (22), Dan Van Zyl (21) and Liam Casey (16) all made useful contributions.

Simon Thompson was the pick of the Northern attack with 3-23, while Roger Trigg claimed 2-25, and a wicket apiece for Trevor Dalzell, Billy Adams and Mohamed Ismail.

The chase was built on solid foundations as Bruce Topping and Barry Cooper gave the North a positive start before Cooper and Gareth Robinson shared a valuable second-wicket partnership.

Northern XI: Rodney Smythe

Robinson top-scored with 45, Cooper made 41 and Topping added 29.

With victory in sight, Player of the Match Simon Thompson produced another key contribution, finishing unbeaten on 29 alongside Trevor Dalzell as the Northern XI reached their target in the 28th over.

Colm Morgan's excellent innings earned him the Spirit of Cricket Award.

The successful occasion was warmly received by players and spectators alike, with the Veterans Cricket Association hopeful that the fixture will become a regular feature of the domestic calendar and the first of many Over-50s interprovincial contests.

OVER 50'S INTERPRO

At Anglesea Road, Merrion.

Southern XI 155-8 (30 overs; Colm Morgan 60, Cheetan Suttraway 22, Dan Van Zyl 21, Liam Casey 16; Simon Thompson 3-23, Roger Trigg 2-25) lost to Northern XI 156-5 (27.5 overs; Gareth Robinson 45, Barry Cooper 41, Bruce Topping 29, Simon Thompson 29*) by 5 wickets.