LIGHTNING STRIKE AGAIN TO RETAIN UNBEATEN START

North West Warriors       148/6 in 20 overs (George Dockrell 3-21, Amish Sidhu 1-16, Barry McCarthy 1-33, Fionn Hand 1-35)

Leinster Lightning             149/2 in 12.5 overs (Andrew Balbirnie 81*, Lorcan Tucker 38, Harry Tector 12*)

Leinster Lightning won by 8 wickets

Before today’s match against the North West Warriors the team were delighted to be joined by David O’Riordan from team sponsors Sherwin O’Riordan and Cricket Leinster President Siobhan McBennett.

As ever, our thanks go to James Sherwin and David O’Riordan of Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors (https://sor-solicitors.ie/) for their continued sponsorship support of both Leinster Lightning and Leinster Bolts, it is hugely appreciated.

For today’s match Gavin Hoey stepped out to undertake University exams and Amish Sidhu came into the team and Olly Riley replaced Reuben Wilson.

The Warriors won the toss and decided to bat first and got off to a positive start with runs flowing off the bat. However having reached 83-3 off 8 overs the Lightning bowlers were able to tighten things up and take regular wickets.

The Warriors ended up on 148/6 off their 20 overs, with the Lightning skipper the leading wicket taker with 3-21 off his four overs. Amish Sidhu also bowled his full allocation, for a return of 1-16.

Stunning catch from Barry McCarthy

In reply openers Andrew Balbirnie and Tim Tector set about their task cautiously but confidently. Balbirnie made his 50 off 30 balls and finished on 81* (7 fours and 6 sixes). He was joined in a century partnership by Lorcan Tucker who made a very under-the-radar 38 off 24 balls.

In the end it was all over after just 13 overs as Leinster Lightning won by 8 wickets.

This all sets up the final match of the Festival between the two unbeaten teams, Leinster Lightning and Northern Knights. This match starts at 3.45 p.m. in Sydney Parade.