The 2011 Leprechaun Cup (sponsored by Precision Electric) has reached the final stages following the completion of both semi finals earlier this week. Two games played in splendid sunshine resulted in wins for both Balrothery NS and Delgany NS.
Cabra school Bosco's achievement in reaching the semi finals in their first year in the competition deserves special mention. Although Balrothery chased their total of 68 for the loss of only one wicket, they bowled and fielded very well with opening bowler Peter Maher impressing many with his pace and accuracy. Balrothery proceed to Thursday's final where they will look to make it a hat-trick of victories at this level.
Tuesday's game at YMCA was a much closer contest with Delgany edging out Aravon by 21 runs in a high scoring match. Peter Sullivan and Harry Kirk's opening partnership of 140 set the foundations for a very impressive Delgany total of 189. Aravon (who have reached the previous two finals) to their credit made a great effort in reply and when Mathew Fenlon and Max Neville were at the crease a successful run chase was very much on the cards. Steady bowling and some good catching, however, saw Delgany home in a fixture that for the first time involved two schools from the Co Wicklow area.
Thursday's final between Delgany and Balrothery will take place at YMCA at 1pm.
Semi Finals:
St John Bosco’s 68 all out, 17.3 overs (Corey White 10, Justin Kavanagh 4-15, Fionn Hand 2-10)
Balrothery NS 70-1, 14.4 overs (Jamie Grassi 31 ret, Mikey Sludds 12 ret, Fionn Hand 9 ret, Liam Leonard 8, Peter Maher 1-12)
Balrothery won by 9 wickets.
Delgany 189-5, 25 overs (Harry Kirk 70 ret, Peter Sullivan 67, Harry Tector 23*)
Aravon 168 all out, 24.2 overs (Mathew Fenlon 53, Max Neville 41, James Peters 27)
Delgany won by 21 runs.
Final:
YMCA CC – Thur, June 16th 2011 (1pm)