John Anderson led from the front as Leinster Lightning dominated the NW Warriors on the opening day of their Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship game at Bready.
The Lightning skipper top scored with 87 from 177 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes), before being well caught low down by Strabane’s Aaron Gillespie (2-66) off his own bowling.
Anderson and Simi Singh had shared another significant partnership – following up their 202 on Monday with 121 today.
Both benefited from reprieves – none more costly than Ross Allen’s who spilled an Anderson hook off Danza Hyatt when he was on just 17 and the total on 39 for 2.
It was one of four chances missed by the Warriors on a day in which they also conceded 45 extras as Lightning secured the four batting points on offer – finishing on 338 for 8.
Dom Joyce (5) and debutant Stephen Doheny (1) both went early to give the Warriors early hope. However that was soon extinguished by the impressive Anderson and Singh.
Their stand was ended when Stuart Thompson (3-55) trapped Singh lbw for 47, and soon after induced Terry to play on.
However the depth of Lightning’s batting allowed them to build partnerships – two of which yielded 63 runs – the 5th between Anderson and Lorcan Tucker, and the 8th between Tyrone Kane (39*) and George Dockrell (35).
Eddie Richardson chipped in with 31, while Max Sorensen ened the day unbeaten on 17.
Anderson resisted the temptation to declare late on, and the Warriors attack could be set for more punishment when play resumes on Wednesday at 11am.
Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Chmpionship
At Bready, Day 1 of 3
LEINSTER LIGHTNING 338-8 (104 overs, J Anderson 87, S Singh 47, T Kane 39*, G Dockrell 35, E Richardson 31, L Tucker 27, S Thompson 3-55, A Gillespie 2-66)
Yes
Connaught
