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It was a day that will never be forgotten in the sunshine at the Phoenix Park yesterday as the final of the Leprechaun Cup went right to the final ball.
It was a day that will never be forgotten in the sunshine at the Phoenix Park yesterday as the final of the Leprechaun Cup went right to the final ball with St. John Bosco’s School from the Navan Road triumphing over Rathfarnham Parish NS.
St. John Bosco Boys School won the coveted Leprechaun Cup earlier today at a sun drenched Phoenix Park. The boys from the Navan Road overcame Rathfarnham Parish NS in the final match of the Leinster Cricket Primary School knockout cup. It was a thrilling match played on a very good grass pitch in front of a large crowd.

Bosco’s batted first after being inserted by Rathfarnham captain Gaby Lewis. They posted a score of 91 for the loss of 9 wickets in their alloted 25 overs. Andy Brawdes (17), captain Shane Corbett (16) and Liam Keating (22) were their major contributors with the bat. Keating was particularly impressive with a number of cover drives that went all the way to the boundary. Charlie Johnston was Rathfarnhams most dangerous bowler picking up 5 for 19. Just when Boscos were looking to accelerate Johnston came back for his second spell and claimed 4 wickets to halt Boscos final surge.

Rathfarnham started the run chase in positive mood with Ben Shaw and Ryan Spencer starting confidently especially against the impressive pace of Shane Corbett. After Spencer fell to Liam Keatings off spin Gaby Lewis came to the wicket. She hit a number of lusty blows and at this stage Rathfarnham were in control. Boscos turned to Klienfield Newti and with his first ball clean bowled Lewis. Next ball Ross Howard was run out via a Tomas Regan direct hit and all of a sudden the game changed and the momentum shifted in Boscos favour. Shane Corbett cleverly alternated his bowlers at this point not allowing the Rathfarnham batters to settle.

Charlie Johnston looked as though he might bring it home for Rathfarnham but Andy Brawdes claimed his wicket. This left the Rathfarnham tail a bit too much to do and Boscos managed to hold their nerve in the last few overs. Needing 4 runs from the final over ,bowled by Tomas Regan, Rathfarnham with one wicket in hand could only manage a single and St John Boscos won by 3 runs and claimed the Leprechaun Cup 2013. Andy Brawdes was named Man of the Match and was presented with a voucher courtesy of Ed Sports.

All in all it was a nail biter that could of gone either way, and huge credit to all the players involved. Thanks to the parents, teachers and coaches from both schools. Thanks to Matt Lunson, Collie Byrne and all at Phoenix CC for providing a great venue. Alan Smith from the Leprechauns was on hand to present the Trophy, which is in honour of the late Noel Mahony.

The scorecard in full can be seen by clicking here.

This now concludes the Leprechaun Cup for another year and it is hoped all the players participating today and throughout the 2 month long competition will continue to enjoy cricket at their local clubs for the rest of the summer and for many years to come.

Cricket Leinster
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