John Anderson’s blistering half-century was the catalyst for Leinster Lightning’s comprehensive 53 run win in the Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial T20 Trophy against the Northern Knights at Sydney Parade.
The Merrion all-rounder smashed 61 from just 36 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes) as Leinster piled up an imposing 168 for 6 in their 20 overs.
Anderson dominated a second wicket stand of 69 in 48 deliveries with Kenny Carroll (26) after skipper John Mooney (1) fell early, caught down the leg side by Chris Dougherty off the impressive Neil Gill (2-18).
Max Sorensen (36) and Andrew Poynter (35) both played breezy cameos, as Leinster kept the pressure on the Knights attack.
Nigel Jones (3) and Lee Nelson (0) fell early as the Knights reply got off to a disastrous start.
Tyrone Kane’s spell of 1 for 11 in four overs set the tone for the Lightning attack, and his dismissal of the dangerous Jones ensured Lightning were always in control of the contest.
Chris Dougherty (17) and skipper Andrew White (13) tried to get the innings back on track, but both fell in quick succession to the always dangerous Max Sorensen (2-16).
Greg Thompson raised the Knights tempo with a highly entertaining 34 from 19 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes) before being trapped in front by John Mooney.
Shane Getkate (22) and Alistair Shields (14) added some late runs, but the Knights finished well short on 115 for 8 in their 20 overs.
Alex Cusack and Max Sorensen both finished with 2 for 16, while there were also two wickets for North County all-rounder Eddie Richardson (2-28).
The Northern Knights are back in action on Sunday when they take on the NW Warriors at Coleraine in a 50 over contest (10:45am), while Leinster Lightning will attempt to make it three wins out of three in the T20 Trophy when they host the Warriors at Merrion next Friday, May 29th at 5pm.
Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Trophy,
At Sydney Parade
LEINSTER LIGHTNING 168-6 (20 overs, J Anderson 61, M Sorensen 36, A Poynter 35, K Carroll 26, N Gill 2-18)
NORTHERN KNIGHTS 115-8 (20 overs, G Thompson 34, S Getkate 22, A Cusack 2-16, M Sorensen 2-16, E Richardson 2-28)
Leinster Lightning won by 53 runs
Yes
Connaught
