THRILLING TIE TAKES LEINSTER OFF THE BOTTOM

A phenomenal game of cricket in Castle Avenue this evening saw a result which, strangely, doesn’t really suit either team come in the shape of a tie, Clontarf were looking for wins to push for the runners-up position in the Premier League Final, and whilst the tie takes Leinster off the foot of the table, they still must beat Phoenix to avoid falling back behind them in the table.

Batting first, Leinster made their way to 113 all out with one ball left behind in the innings. Bilal Azhar top scored with 22, whilst 18 apiece from Aviral Shukla and Jack Barry took them up to what would usually be a below par total, especially having been bowled out.

Three wickets for Ben McCabe saw him put his hand up as Clontarf’s stand out bowler, he was ably assisted by David Vincent’s off breaks (2/16) and Mick Granger’s seamers (2/20) in a good showing from the home side’s bowlers.

In reply, stands of 31 and 40 between Eoghan Delany and firstly brother Andrew, followed by brother David saw ‘Tarf appearing to be making the best of their way home, as they reached 73/2 in just 13 overs.

However Shukla then removed David Delany, Fionn Hand and last week’s hero John McNally in a fine spell of 3/22 to put the home side into a wobble. Eoghan Delany powered on however many wickets were lost at the far end, taking his side to the final over needing 8 to win, 7 wickets down.

Bilal Azhar bowled it, and following a dot, three twos for Delany appeared to put Clontarf in control, however a further dot meant two were needed from the final delivery, and when Delany was run out coming back for the second the tie was confirmed as his side finished 113/8 in 20 overs.

AT CASTLE AVENUE
Leinster - 113/10, 19.5 overs (B Azhar 22, A Shukla 18, J Barry 18; B McCabe 3/21, D Vincent 2/16, M Granger 2/20)
tied with
Clontarf - 113/8, 20 overs (E Delany 54, D Delany 23; A Shukla 3/22)