ALL POWER TO LEINSTER SCHOOLS (24.6.2025)

It was a damp morning as play got under way in this interprovincial schools clash. Chris Barry removed Seb Yeates early doors as Ulster Schools set about ensuring they look a lead into the second innings.

They chipped away without any outstanding contributions Luca Bates proving the mainstay with 31 along with 26 from Watt. Eventually Ulster dragged their team up to a deficit of 31 runs opting to declare at that point.

Gethin Kelleher got his side off to a flier adding 25 from the first 3 overs alongside Shahid, Shahid agains proved the mainstay of his side’s effort compiling 65 as wickets fell around him, Ethan Marshall and Chris Butler the other main contributors with 30 and 39 respectively, they were eventually bowled out meaning they carried a lead of 233 into the final 2.5 hours of the days play.

Ulster Schools got after their target  of 234 in quick fashion, in the form of Seb Yeates, however, a couple of plumb LBW decisions that accounted for Leckey and West again pegged back the Ulster side. They rebuilt through Craigan and Smyth who built a solid partnership heading into the final 40 minutes of the game.

Enter Rob O’Brien, he picked up 4/5 from 5 overs, turning the game on its head. Ulster fought on bravely, their last partnership accounting for 17 minutes as the overs whittled away.

With only 7 minutes left Harry St Leger stepped up to deliver the decisive blow getting one through the defenses of Kennedy and securing a famous victory for Leinster Schools.

Scorecard can be found here; https://www.cricketleinster.ie/match-centre/match/M3WKEEGHG3