A Gareth Delany century masterclass sealed a comfortable six-wicket victory for Leinster in the Mason Alexander, LHW Financial Planning Promotion/Relegation playoff at North County.
A remarkable 14 fours and six sixes from the Leinster Lightning opener in his 113 took his side to the verge of victory before Saqib Bahudar had the honour of hitting the winning boundary with more than 16 overs to spare.
Delany went to his half century with back to back boundaries and went one better bringing up his ton with a monstrous straight 6 over the road at Inch off the bowling of Allan Eastwood no less.
Earlier, Rush captain Neil Rock, who had chosen to bat first, played a skipper’s innings of 80 (83 balls; 7x4, 3x6) as the Division 2 side looked to set a challenging target.
Preshanth Viswanath (20; 4x4) and Stephen Doheny (29; 5x4) both got starts for Rush but when Doheny was run out looking for a second to Joe Carroll in the deep, Rush were 67/3 and in a little trouble.
Rock and Tipu Gull responded by putting on 118 for the fourth wicket. Gull impressing with his late dabs and cuts while Rock never refused an opportunity to get on the front foot and drive.
After successive sixes in the 40 th over however, Rock drove straight to Bilal Azhar at mid-off before Gull was run out two overs later.
From 185/3, Rush collapsed to 227 all out in the final over. Seven wickets for 42 runs in the last ten overs left Rush below par and Leinster in the driving seat at half-time.
Enter Gareth Delany and his mixture of power hitting and classy stroke-making.
Delany was ably assisted by Hugh McDonnell (28; 4x4) and Monil Patel (47 off 42 balls; 6x4,1x6) in putting on partnerships of 92, then 93, for the first two wickets.
These partnerships batted Rush out of the game and took Leinster to 185/2 with 24 overs remaining. Delany almost carried his bat, but Eastwood had reward for his continued efforts dismissing him for 113, 20-runs shy of the target.
This did allow Delany to receive a generous and thoroughly deserved ovation from the sizeable crowd in North County.
In the end it was Saqib Bahudar who hit the winning runs with yet another beautiful straight drive but there was no doubting the star of the show and the difference between the sides on the day was Gareth Delany.
Rush have had a wonderful season, winning their third National Cup in four seasons and finishing second in Division 2, their young talented squad will have their day soon.
For today, marvel at Gareth Delany and his stunning innings, what a way to round off the Premier League, Game of the Day, season.
Mason Alexander LHW Financial Planning, Promotion/Relegation Play-Off
At North County Cricket Club
Rush 227 a/o 49.3 overs (N Rock 80, T Gull 42; J Carroll 3-35, G Dockrell 2-40)
Leinster 231/4 33.2 overs (G Delany 113, M Patel 47; A Eastwood 2-40)
Leinster win by 6 wickets and retain Premier League status