Laura Delany made her 100th appearance while Rebecca Stokell and Louise Little made their debut ODI appearances against hosts South Africa in the Quadrangular tournament
It was a red-letter day for the Leinster duo of Laura Delany and Rebecca Stokell who made their 100th and first appearances respectively for Ireland Women against hosts South Africa in the latest ODI in the Quadrangular Series.
Unfortunately the match itself proved something of a harsh lesson for the Girls In Green as South Africa racked up 337 for 5, with opener Laura Wolvaardt scoring a run-a-ball 149, which included 17 boundaries.
She shared an opening stand of 68 with Lizelle Lee (40), but the real damage was inflicted in a second wicket partnership of 179 from 177 balls with Trisha Chetty (70).
Mignon du Preez smashed a quick-fire 32 as the hosts piled on the runs despite the best efforts of the Irish attack.
YMCA’s Aoife Beggs claimed 3 for 64, while the other successful bowler was Louise Little.
In reply Ireland battled throughout, with Malahide opener Mary Waldron top scoring with 35, sharing in a 51 run stand for the second wicket with Delany (23).
There were breezy cameos from Jenny Gray (19) and 16 year-old Lara Maritz made her highest ODI score – 25, as the Irish batted their fifty overs to finish on 159 for 8.
The next match for the Irish is on Monday, when they face tournament favourites India.
Barry Chambers
Rebecca Stokell is presented with her first cap by Laura Delany
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Connaught
