Gareth Delany Stars as Lightning Spark in Season Opener

Gareth Delany took three wickets and then smashed 25 runs as the Leinster Lightning beat the Munster Reds by 9-wickets in the opening round of the Test Triangle InterProvincial T20 Trophy on Thursday.

Delany showcased the all-round talents that have seen Leicestershire snap him up for the English T20 Blast season, as he prepares to depart this weekend.

In what will be his only match for the Lightning this season, Delany showed what a hot property he is, particularly in this format. While Kevin O’Brien continued his impressive displays at the top of the order with a blistering 45 off 27.

This saw the Lightning chase down their target of 77 in just 8 overs as Tyrone Kane (5*) hit the winning runs with a lovely straight drive to the boundary.

All this came after a good performance in the field from the home side restricted the visitors to 76 all out. It all started with captain Jack Tector being run out without facing off the third ball and struggled to improve from there.

Peter Chase (1-6) and Kane (1-5) bowled economically in support of Delany, while three run outs demonstrated the sharpness of the fielders.

The bright spot of their innings was an enterprising 26 from JJ Garth before he was the last man out in the final over. At half-time 76 all out was never going to be enough against such a strong Lightning batting line-up.

In the end, O’Brien and Delany did the heavy lifting and brought the Lightning home to a convincing 5-point win to begin the campaign.

Test Triangle Interprovincial T20 Trophy

Pembroke CC, Sydney Parade

Leinster Lightning v Munster Reds, Thursday August 20^th    

Munster Reds 76 a/o 19.3 Overs (JJ Garth 26; G Delany 3-8)

Leinster Lightning 77/1 8 Overs (K O’Brien 45*, G Delany 25)

Leinster Lightning won by 9 wickets