OPENING DAY VICTORY FOR LEINSTER U19S IN CAMPBELL COLLEGE!

After having Wednesday afternoon's fixture against the NCU rained off and rescheduled for tomorrow morning's reserve day, Leinster's U19 Women got their campaign off to a belated winning start in Campbell College this afternoon, showing some encouraging signs for the week ahead in the process.

Having won the toss, the Leinster side elected to bowl, hoping to take advantage of helpful bowling conditions early in the morning.

A strong spell from opening bowlers Darcey Dalwood and Sinead Thomson saw them both bowling their four over spells at the top of the innings, finishing with good figures of 2/14 and 1/15 respectively. Aoife Hayden followed that duo, and she removed the key pair of Ella Wasson and Jodie Spence in quick succession to give Leinster the upper hand at the half-way stage.

A brace of run-outs, followed by a wicket for the economical Ashwi Manoj, saw the North West side all out for 109 off the final ball of their innings.

Leinster's chase started nicely, as an opening stand of 50 between skipper Aisling Lawlor and Izzy McLean (16) ensured there was no early wobble for the away side. When Lawlor was dismissed for the top score of 30, the side were more than two thirds of the way to the score and needed one more partnership to knit things together.

Genevieve Morrissey provided the base that was needed, as herself and Isobel Jennings batted with a nice tempo, as they both had strike rates of 100 in their respective scores of 28 and 11, however no doubt both will have been disappointed to get out with the finish line in sight.

There was to be no more faltering however, as Leinster secured a 6 wicket win with three overs to spare in an encouraging performance to kick-off the tournament.

Coach Chuka Uba reflected on the win; "It was a really encouraging start to the series. The bowlers set the tone brilliantly — disciplined, attacking, and backing each other up in the field. The chase was measured and showed real maturity from the batting group. There's a lot to build on and the squad are hungry for more."

NW 109 AO (Darcey Dalwood 2/14, Aoife Hayden 2/18)
lost to
Leinster 110/4 off 17 overs (Aoife Lawlor 30, Genevieve Morrissey 28, Izzy McLean 16)