LEINSTER SCHOOLS COME CLOSE IN TENSE INTERPRO DRAW

Ulster Schools 142 all out (E Birch 2-41, L Thompson 3-23, D Forkin 1-20 L Gilhooly 1-21 Yash Balasubramanium 2-9, Sebastian Dijkstra 1-2)

Leinster Schools 342/7 (Johnson 73, Thompson 68, S O'Brien 63, L Gilhooly 43)

Ulster Schools 203/9 (Crothers 78, Forkin 5-39, Thompson 1-23, O'Brien 1-21, S Dijkstra 1-39)

Match Drawn

A pulsating Schools Interprovincial came down to the very last ball of the second days play.

This long standing game made a return to the programme and features the best schools players from the Leinster and Ulster areas. Held over two days, it is likely to be the only multi-day representative match on the island this summer.

Ulster batted first on Wednesday morning and Leinster skipper struck early, leaving the visitors 15-2 when the rain arrived. Luckily it was only a brief interruption and the strong bowling continued for Leinster, eventually dismissing Ulster for 142. Wickets were shared between the Leinster bowling attack and it was obvious that Leinster would be a competitive force.

In what turned out to be their only innings Leinster set about the Ulster attack, with Johnson, Thompson, O'Brien and Gilhooly all scoring freely. Close of play saw them at 215/4.

Resuming the following day, first Leinster batted positively again and eventually declared on 342/7, a lead of 200.the big question would be how long would it take Leinster to get all the Ulster wickets?

Ulster set about batting time - a really important development aspect for both sets of players - and were content to defend to the mostpart.

However the combined Leinster attack was rampant at this stage, with the Slow Left Arm of Daniel Forkin to the forefront. He took 5-39 in 23 overs (10 maidens) of sustained pressure. He was backed up by Thompson (1-23), S O'Brien (1-21), S Dijkstra (1-39). Skipper Birch also deployed overs from Balasubramanium, Birch, I Dijkstra, Cosgrave and Johnson as he rung the changes to keep the batters under pressure.

As always with time cricket the balance was between overs left and wickets remaining. It was great to see the game in the balance to the very end, with Leinster seeking the last Ulster wicket off the last ball of the match.

An excellent example of the benefits of multi day cricket and a great finale to a game that has a long standing tradition.

Special thanks should go to Merrion CC for hosting the match.

It is also fitting to note the contribution of Stephen Tonge to this match and to the leadership of the Cricket Leinster secondary schools programme over many years. Stephen has contributed hugely to sustaining and expanding the secondary schools programme and has been a great cricket volunteer in this leadership role. This is hugely appreciated by all in the Schools and in Cricket Leinster.