NW Warriors escaped with a dramatic draw against Leinster Lightning in a thrilling encounter at College Park.
NW Warriors escaped with a dramatic draw against Leinster Lightning in a thrilling encounter at College Park. It looked as if a determined rearguard action would be in vain after they were dismissed for 153 to leave Leinster needing just 26 in four overs to claim the win.
However inspired bowling from Johnny Thompson (2-6) and Peter Connell (2-15) restricted Lightning to 22 for 5 – just four short when stumps were pulled.
It could all have been so different as with four needed from the final two deliveries, Patrick Collins powerful pull shot found Romano Ramoo on the deep square leg boundary – a yard either side and it would have been victory – such are the small margins in sport.
Earlier Andrew Riddles (31) and David Rankin (29) had battled resolutely to eke out what proved to be a crucial lead.
Max Sorensen (4-50) bowled maginificently throughout and his figures would have been even better had Leinster not spilled an incredible six chances.
Eddie Richardson (2-32) and skipper Kevin O’Brien (2-13) also bowled with great control on a day where the overhead conditions meant the bowlers were always on top.
It’s been a wonderful start to the RSA Inter-Provincial Series, with the next game coming on Sunday when the Warriors host Northern Knights in a 50 over encounter – play gets under way at 10:45am.
RSA Inter-Provincial Championship, Day Three Close of Play Scorecard, At College Park
North West Warriors 191 all out and 153 all out (68.5 overs, A Riddles 31, D Rankin 29, M Sorensen 4-50, K O’Brien 2-13, E Richardson 2-32) drew with Leinster Lightning 319 all out and 22-5 (4 overs, J Thompson 2-6, P Connell 2-15).
Leinster Lightning 10 points, NW Warriors 7 points
The Full Scorecard and Points Table is here
Cricket Ireland
Johnny Thompson was the hero for the North-West
Yes
