LEINSTER 1 V LEINSTER 2 MATCH REPORT 05/07/22

An overcast and cloudy day at Ringcommons CC saw a great contest between two Leinster teams take place with the winner claiming bragging rights. With some rain around, light drizzle was the worst that struck Balbriggan, resulting in an unhampered and high-quality game of T20 cricket taking place.

Leinster 1, led by Niamh MacNulty, won the toss and decided to put Leinster 2 in to bat. Aimee Maguire, the captain of Leinster 2, opened the batting along with Isabelle McClean. Unfortunately, Maguire lost her opening partner in the first over as McClean was trapped LBW by MacNulty. Maguire was joined by Gemma Sargent at the crease as the pair set off in building a total. Maguire batted excellently, scoring 18 (24) including a couple of boundaries through the covers. She was supported well by Sargent who scored 15 from 22 deliveries before she was bowled by Lucy Kay. Lizzie Troup was the next standout batter for Leinster 2, scoring 21 (32).

An all-round excellent fielding and bowling performance from Leinster 1 saw Leinster 2 reduced to 103 for 9 in their 20 overs. While the wickets were spread amongst the 8 bowlers used by MacNulty, Robinson picked up notable figures (3-0-9-3), backing up her good performances from the day prior. Additionally, Kay took 2 for 10 off her 3 overs with the remaining 4 wickets shared around. 

MacNulty’s side set about chasing the target with Kay and Byrne striding to the crease. The in-form Byrne continued where she left off on Monday with an aggressive approach, scoring 22 from just 13 deliveries. Her opening partner, Kay,took a more patient approach, scoring 15 (26), before she fell to an excellent caught and bowled dismissal from Sargent.

Zoe Bell was the standout performer with the bat for Leinster 1, scoring 32*. She finished the innings with Tector who scored 7* (8). The pair saw their side home to a comprehensive 7 wicket win, chasing the total set of 103 in 14.4 overs. Gemma Sargent bowled excellently for her side (3-0-14-2), while Alyssa Pasley took the key wicket of Byrne; but the combination of power hitting and good running between the wickets meant that the Leinster 1 remain the only unbeaten team in the U15 girls’ Interprovincial competition.