LEINSTER SECURE SPORTSHUB JUNIOR CUP FOR 2025!

This afternoon saw the culmination of a lot of hard work for both Leinster and Pembroke, as the SportsHub Junior Cup Final was fought out at Observatory Lane. It was, however, a one sided affair as Leinster took the title home in a dominant display.

Pembroke won the toss and elected to bat first on an overcast afternoon in Rathmines. They got off to a rocky start, losing their skipper Vanshika Shukla after just 7 balls. This brought together Izzy McLean and Isobel Jennings and they built a bright partnership leaving their side 30/2 midway through the 5^th over as a smart bit of keeping from Gee saw McLean out stumped off the bowling of Leetch. From there it was a struggle for the Pembroke side as Isobel Jennings struggled to find willing partners at the other end, batters came and went, before Jennings herself was dismissed for 31, leaving the side 67/6. This brought Jess Duffy-Mullen to the crease, she was the final batter to make doubles figures, adding 12 as she dragged their side up to 97/9 from their 20 overs with the help of the tale. It was a controlled bowling effort from Leinster featuring an attack with plenty of experience, Sue O’Connor was excellent with the new ball, taking 2/18 from 5, whilst Nazli Leetch finished with the same figures off just three overs, however Sparrow was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3/20 from her four overs.

Leinster’s batting effort continued in much the same vein as their bowling, with control being the operative word. They did sustain the early loss of Ella McMahon for 8 bowled off the bowling of Beale. From there it was all one way traffic as Pembroke searched without success for a breakthrough. Tash Richardson and Isabel Saeed-Maguire were however in control throughout as they added an unbeaten 87 for the second wicket to bring their side over the line with 12 balls to spare fishing on 46* and 36* respectively. Anna Beale was the pick of the bowlers with 1/11 from her 5 overs, whilst there was a tight spell from KimLi McDonald, however Pembroke just lacked the X-Factor to force a breakthrough and get them in the game with a below par total.

Cricket Leinster would like to thank SportsHub for their continued support of Cricket in Leinster over the last few years, it is very much appreciated.