The Ireland U15 girl’s side have had a successful campaign in the prestigious Malvern Festival this week. This is a great opportunity to go to an international tournament, to play against quality county sides in England, as well as the best teams in Europe.
In their first game of the tournament, they faced Gloucestershire. Ireland won the toss, and inserted the opposition. The girls restricted Gloucester to 182/8 from their 35 overs. Lara Maritz took 2- 32 from her 7 overs, while Hannah Little bagged 2-12 from 4 overs. However, D. Gibson made 52, which gave the English side a competitive total. Ireland were not able to chase down the total, despite the best efforts of Sadhbh Breslin. She top scored with 54, with Ireland making 130 all out from 25 overs. Ireland lost by 52 runs in the end.
In the second match for the side, they faced up against a well fancied Yorkshire team. Ireland again won the toss, and decided to have a bat. The middle order gave the side the solid total that they needed to have a chance to defend against. Emma Paul made the highest score of 44 for the Irish team, while Maritz contributed with 32 runs. Ireland made 156/8 from 40 overs. But the excitement came in the bowling effort by Ireland. They were able to bowl out Yorkshire for 133. Alana Danzell was the pick of the Irish bowlers. She took 3-11 from her 3 overs while Hannah Little continued her form with figures of 2-23 in 7 overs. Ireland won by 23 runs.
The final game of the tournament, Ireland faced the Netherlands. Ireland batted first, and made 195/5 from 40 overs. Orla Prendergast retired on a superb century, with contributions from ClĂona Tucker (41) and Alana Danzell (17). Danzell continued her success from the win over Yorkshire, by taking 3-16 in 4 overs against the Dutch side. Louise Little took 2-4 in her opening spell, which helped in bowling out the Netherlands for 72. Ireland won by 123 runs.
Many thanks to coach Rob O’Connor and manager Rachel Delaney for all of their efforts in making the tournament a successful week for the girls out in Malvern.
Game 1: Ireland vs Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire – 182/8 (35 Overs) – D. Gibson 52; L. Maritz 2-32, H. Little 2-12.
Ireland- 130 All Out (25 Overs) – S. Breslin 54.
Gloucestershire won by 52 runs.
Game 2: Ireland vs. Yorkshire
Ireland – 156/8 (40 Overs) – E. Paul 44, L. Maritz 32.
Yorkshire – 133 All Out – A. Danzell 3-11, H. Little 2-23.
Ireland won by 23 runs.
Game 3: Ireland vs. The Netherlands
Ireland- 195/5 (40 Overs) – O. Prendergast 100* ret., C. Tucket 41.
Netherlands – 72 All Out – A. Danzell 3-16, L. Little 2-4.
Ireland won by 123 runs.
Ireland U15 Girl’s Team at Malvern Festival
Yes
Connaught