LCC's Pia Diepman and The Hills Rebecca Branagan took 10 wickets between them today as Ulster U17 Girls were defeated at Stormont by Leinster U17 Girls.
Both players claimed five wicket hauls as the Ulster batters found it impossible to cope with the flight and spin of Diepman or the unerring accuracy of Branagan's seamers.
Only Hannah Grieve, Sarah McCallan and Holly Rankin offered any resistance with the bat for Ulster as they finished 50 all out in the 25th over.
The run chase took 16 overs with Merrion Cricket Club's Blainath Breslin being the major contributor with 25 not out. Captain Alison Smith had notched up 8 runs in a opening stand of 26 with Breslin before being bowled by Holly Rankin in the 12th. When Diepman arrived in the middle however Breslin seemed determined it was time to "start the bus" as she exploded into life - her first 12 runs had come patiently from 50 balls but her next 12 came from just 5 as she hit hard both through the off and on side.
Despite the cold and rain it was a delight to see girls cricket being played on the main square at Stormont for the first time in a long time, if not ever. Todays game resulted in a comprehensive win for the LCU but Ulster will have the chance of revenge tomorrow as the teams meet again at the same venue