LEINSTER LIGHTNING DEFEAT CHAMPIONS NORTHERN KNIGHTS

The last day of the IP20 season saw the champions Northern Knights post an imposing total and a brilliant response from Leinster Lightning to chase it with 9 balls to spare.

Northern Knights 187/7 in 20 overs (F Hand 3-32, D Delany 1-41, S Singh 2-25)

Leinster Lightning 191/5 in 18.3 overs (T Tector 91*, L Tucker 34, G Dockrell 36)

Leinster Lightning win by 5 wickets

The Knights put on 187 without a half century from any batter, a sign of Leinster Lightning taking wickets at regular intervals. Rush man Neil Rock was the top scorer (47 off 36) but an excellent bowling effort prevented the total being much higher.

That attack was led by Fionn Hand (3-32 off 4) with Simi Singh taking two in two balls (2-25 in 4) and David Delany bowling excellently at the death for 1-41 off 4. Skipper George Dockrell only gave himself one over, for 5 runs!!

At the start of the second innings Leinster had a mathematical chance of finishing second in the table, but in reality, a victory was their first priority.

Mudford was promoted to open with Tim Tector taking that traditional role for him. Riley continued his fireworks but was well caught on the boundary for 10.

Lorcan Tucker joined Tim and they put on a partnership of 69 in only 5.5 overs. When Lorcan was also caught in the deep and with Singh and Donegan going quickly there was a potential wobble.

But Tim was looking steady and when he was joined by George Dockrell they set about maintaining the momentum.  The skipper hit a wonderful 36 off 18 balls (5 sixes) in a partnership of 64 off 37 balls and this took the game away from the competition champions.

Tim finished on 91* - 15 fours and 1 six – as Leinster Lightning won by 5 wickets and took the Festival award as most successful team of the week.

Our thanks to Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors for their support and sponsorship of Leinster Lightning - it is hugely appreciated and enables us to deliver important components of the IP programme.