News

The senior women’s team spent time in the UAE before heading to South Africa and competing in a Quadrangular tournament with India, Zimbabwe and hosts South Africa.
Having received a timely boost from main sponsors Hanley Energy, the women’s team flew to the UAE to play three one-day matches against ECB XIs in preparation for their tour to South Africa.

Laura Delany led a squad of 15 that contained no less than seven players with no international experience.
Playing any side representing the ECB, before two group games against each of India, Zimbabwe and hosts South Africa would prove a steep learning curve for the women in green. As the tour progressed however, this challenge was something that they would continually rise to, with no lack of skill to back up the courage and determination.

The team struggled at times against some of the top players in world cricket but never once did they break. Even when the Indian openers put on a world record stand of 320, one of those previously uncapped players, Louise Little, fought back. Bowling her 10 overs straight through, she conceded just 40 runs.

At the end of a long, arduous tour, it was fantastic therefore that Ireland women emerged victorious from the 3rd Place playoff with Zimbabwe on Sunday May 21st.

The captain, Laura Delany, led the way with 81 runs, ably supported by Shauna Kavanagh’s 67 as Ireland amassed 254/5 off their 50 overs.

Turned over to the bowlers to defend the score, it was Aoife Beggs who stole the show. Taking 5-52 the YMCA seamer pipped Delany to the player of the match accolade. Although Gaby Lewis taking 2-46 and scoring 33 runs may have had a thought about winning that particular prize herself.

Whoever won the personal honour, the real rewards of this trip will be seen in the years to come on the pitch within the whole group. The experience, the lessons and the vital team bonds forged will last a lot longer than personal accolades.

Cricket Ireland
Irish women’s team who travelled to South Africa (pic courtesy Laura Delany)
No
Connaught