John Mooney’s three wicket haul meant his Leinster Lightning side finished day one of their Newstalk Inter-Provincial Championship clash against North West Warriors in the ascendancy.
Pesistent drizzle meant over half the day’s play was lost, but in the 49 overs possible, Warriors managed 144-7, having been inserted in bowler-friendly conditions.
They recovered from the early loss of Jason Milligan (3) to reach 78-1 at one stage with David Barr and Niall McDonnell coping easily with everything the Lightning bowlers sent their way.
Leinster were handed the breakthrough however when Barr (31) seemed to lose his concentration and played all around one from Max Sorensen (2-33).
Lightning were soon on top when Irish international Stuart Thompson was yorked by Sorensen, having made just two.
That became 93-4 shortly after as Warriors skipper Andy McBrine (2) feathered one to keeper Fintan McAllister off Tyrone Kane (1-30).
Niall McDonnell and Andrew Riddles then got the Warriors back on track with a 35 run stand, taking their side to 128 for 4, before both fell to injudicious shots late in the day.
McDonnell had made an excellent 53, including six fours, primarily through his favourite point and cover region, but he also played the short ball very well – so often his weakness last season.
Andrew Riddles made a very fluent 31 from 37 balls, before giving McAllister his third catch of the day off John Mooney.
Bready’s South African professional Ernest Kemm and Johnny Thompson tried to battle it out for the final 30 minutes play – the Brigade man facing 18 balls without scoring before playing on from a Mooney delivery that cut back to leave Lightning very happy with their day’s work.
It was a hugely disappointing end to a day in which the home side were probably worth a deal more – the pace of the wet outfield meaning the batsmen didn’t always get full value for their shots.
What will concern Warriors Coach Bobby Rao though is that several of his side’s dismissals were easily avoidable and he will know that Lightning will be back in the morning with the scent of a quick end to the innings.
Warriors of course have their own fast bowling armoury, and no doubt Tabish Khan, Craig Young and the Thompson’s will relish bowling in the favourable conditions.
It promises to be an absorbing second day’s play which gets under way once again at 11am.
NEWSTALK INTER-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
At Magerhasmason, Day 1 close
NW WARRIORS 144/7 (49 overs, Niall McDonnell 53, David Barr 31, Andrew Riddles 31, John Mooney 3-21, Max Sorensen 2-33) v LEINSTER LIGHTNING.
Yes
Connaught