Northern Knights became the first winners of the RSA Inter-Provincial Cup as the North West Warriors beat Leinster Lightning who were seeking a hat-trick of trophies but came up short against an inspired home side at Strabane in the season ending fixture on Saturday.
The Warriors had not won a game all season across all three formats but ended the season on a high with a dominant performance which saw them run out 79 run winners over the visiting Lightning side.
The home side posted 230 for eight, their highest total of the summer, with Niall McDonnel bringing his brilliant club form into the Warriors set-up top scoring with 41 with Andrew Riddles adding an important late 37.
The total was certainly above par and the chase for the Lightning was made all the more difficult with Andy Balbirnie injuring himself whilst fielding in the first innings. It was an inspired display in the field from the home side that saw them as comfortable and deserved winners with Andrew Riddles 4 for 31 being the highlight of the home attack and rounding off a great day and season for the Ardmore man.
The result left the Warriors’ Ulster rivals the Northern Knights’ delighted, as they claimed the final title of the season by just 1 point from the Lightning.
Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh presents the 2013 RSA Inter-Provincial Cup to Northern Knights coach Eugene Moleon.
To view the full scorecard and all the statistics from the RSA Inter-Provincial Series please click here.
Leinster captain Kevin O’Brien was named the RSA Player of the Series.
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