News

OAKHILL – On the opening day of the IP50 season, the defending champions got up and running with their first win but failed to secure a bonus point.

First up Munster Reds won the toss and opted to bowl first against last year’s champions Leinster Lightning.

Josh Manley removed Chris De Freitas first up, then Byron McDonagh sent back Tim Tector to put the home team under pressure.

However a partnership of 212 between Harry Tector and his captain Lorcan Tucker then changed the game to gave their side momentum.  

Even with Munster Reds continuing to chip away at the very end, the Lightning eventually finished on a very formidable 328 for 8.

Jai Moondra who was making his IP50 debut then got the Lightning off to the perfect start with two wickets in the fourth over.

Half centuries from Suliman Safi and Stephen Doheny, along with 44 from stand in skipper Gareth Delany had the Reds in a decent position but regular wickets continued to be a problem.

Philippe le Roux then began to make things very interesting at end, putting on 49 with Byron McDonagh for the last wicket until a run out eventually brought the fun to an end.

Le Roux eventually finished on 87 not out but last years champions still managed to get the win however without a bonus point.

MATCH SUMMARY

Leinster Lightning v Munster Reds, IP50, Oak Hill – 7 May 2025

Leinster Lightning 328-8 (50 overs; L Tucker 121, H Tector 120; J Manly 4-75)

Munster Reds 280 (46.1; Le Roux Paul 87*, J Moondra 3-42)

Leinster Lightning won by 49 runs

Scorecard here.