YMCA Defeat Leinster In Senior Cup Final Classic

The Academy+ Women’s Senior Cup Final served up an absolute treat as YMCA defeated Leinster in a final-over thriller, despite the rain affected nature of the match.

Following an afternoon deluge, the ground staff worked miracles to have a 15-over match play out at Sydney Parade, as YMCA won out by 6-wickets in the end.

The outstanding Laura Delany (53) and impressive Ellen Ridgeway (37) put on 70 for the opening Leinster wicket, after Delany had won the toss and opted to bat first. This despite Lucy Reilly (1-3) bowling a maiden over off the first of the innings.

However, following the loss of Ridgeway, YMCA clawed their way back into the contest as they lost five wickets for 29 runs, including two run outs to smart fielding by O’Reilly and Kerry Tomlinson (2-13).

All the while Delany held the innings together before being bowled by O’Reilly in the final over. At almost seven an over, Leinster would’ve accepted 104/6 from their 15 overs. Given the start their openers provided them with however, they may feel they left some runs behind.

Gaby Lewis (32) got the YM chase off to the perfect start with two leg side boundaries off the opening over. By the fifth over, Lewis felt confident enough to get both the reverse sweep and orthodox sweep out for further boundaries.

After the 5-over powerplay YMCA looked to be cruising at 40/0, but sharp fielding from wicket-keeper Ellen Ridgeway saw Jenny Grey (11) run out and Robyn Lewis followed soon after.

When Gaby Lewis was stumped by more smart glove-work by Ridgeway, YM were 69/3 and needed 36 off five overs.

A composed 18 not out from Sarah Forbes saw YM to the brink of victory, needing just two of the final over. A succession of dot balls with the scores tied, ramped up the tension as the crowd fell silent.

As it was, Lucy O’Reilly (5*) hit the winning run to point and YM could celebrate victory in the Academy+ Women’s Senior Cup Final.

An unfortunate note at the end of the game was that Vanessa Kelada was caught in the face by the bouncing ball of O’Reilly’s winning shot and sustained a painful looking mouth injury. We hope she feels better soon.

Earlier in the day, Leinster had won the Minor Cup defeating YMCA by 28-runs by Duckworth-Lewis.

Player of the Match Sophia Nulty (32*) led the Leinster batting line-up as they amassed 119/5 off their 20 overs. Orla Bagnall (16), Steph Woods (15) and Katie Dillon (14) all made vital contributions too.

Leinster built their fine total despite Amelia Flanagan taking 3-27 off her five overs for YMCA.

YMCA’s reply got off to the worst possible start as Dillon (1-5) took a wicket with the first ball of the innings, while fellow opener Nulty (2-12) struck in the second over to leave YM 3/2.

From there, YMCA couldn’t build any momentum and Rhiann Slevin kept the pressure firmly on with 2-9 off her three over allocation.

Therefore, YMCA were 49/6 when the rain intervned after 12.3 overs. With no more play possible, Leinster were declared winners by 28-runs on DL.

Academy Plus Women’s Senior Cup Final

YMCA v Leinster, Sydney Parade, Friday August 16^th  

Leinster 104/6 15 Overs (L Delany 53, E Ridgeway 37; K Tomlinson 2-0-13-2, L O’Reilly 3-1-3-1, R Staunton 3-0-22-1)

YMCA 105/4 14.4 Overs (G Lewis 32, S Forbes 18*, K Tomlinson 18; S MacMahon 3-0-11-1)

YMCA won by 6 wickets