Leinster Lightning retained the Hanley Energy InterProvincial 50-Over Cup after defeating the North West Warriors by 58-runs in the title decider at Leinster CC on Sunday.
Recovering from a precarious 34/5 after Andy Britton’s stunning 5-13 in seven overs, the Lightning had opener Gareth Delany (69 off 109; 4x4,4x6) to thank for being in the game at all at halfway.
His 74-run partnership with George Dockrell (39) restored calm to the Lightning innings.
This allowed Tyrone Kane (57 off 50; 3x3,3x6) and Lorcan Tucker 46* (6x4) to add 108 for the eighth wicket in just 14 overs as Leinster Lightning crashed through the 200-marker, to post 253/8 off their 50 overs.
The Warriors chase recovered from the early loss of Rankin as William Porterfield showed his enduring class striking 71 off 87 deliveries with 11 boundaries.
Simi Singh (3-37) took two in three balls to reduce the Warriors to 92/4 before Josh Little, who took 2-7 in five overs, removed Porterfield to leave the Warriors five down and 125 runs shy of their target.
The run rate was beginning to rise but the Warriors weren’t out of the game until Lightning skipper Dockrell turned to Kevin O’Brien (3-34). His first three overs had gone for 10 an over but when required, O’Brien delivered a triple-wicket maiden to put the home side on the brink of victory with the Warriors 174/9.
The cherry on the top for O’Brien came with the first ball of the 43rd over as fielding off his own bowling, O’Brien threw the stumps down at the non-strikers end to run-out Young and seal the Lightning’s 58-run victory.
A brilliant game to round off the Hanley Energy InterProvincial season for 2018 as the Lightning are crowned IP50 Cup Champions.
Hanley Energy InterProvincial Cup 50-Over, Leinster Lightning v North West Warriors
At Leinster CC, Rathmines
Leinster Lightning 253/8 (Gareth Delany 67, Tyrone Kane 57, Lorcan Tucker 46*; Andrew Britton 5-23)
North West Warriors 195 all out, 42.1 overs (William Porterfield 71; Kevin O’Brien 3-34, Simi Singh 3-37)
Leinster Lightning win by 58 runs and win IP50 Cup