Lightning Bolts Announce Squad for Ireland U19s Match

The Leinster Lightning have today announced an 11-man Bolts team to face the Ireland Under 19s in a 50-over fixture at Trinity College on Sunday May 5^th.

A crucial element of the Cricket Leinster programme, the Bolts give players the opportunity to press for higher honours.

“It’s not only an area for young up and coming cricketers but also gives players that develop through our very important club system an avenue to press for higher honours,” says Lightning Head Coach Albert van der Merwe.

“Cricket Leinster has been incredibly supportive in their vision, funding and recognition of this initiative,” van der Merwe continued.

After an impressive start to the season with three wins from three, Merrion have four representatives in the squad and the Bolts will be captained by regular Lightning squad member Tom Stanton.

While batsman Michael Lewis and wicketkeeper Patrick Tice make the step up for the first time, along with Nathan McGuire of Rush.

YMCA’s Fionn Hand travelled to La Manga recently as part of the Lightning squad and his former North County teammates Jamie Grassi and Andrew Sheridan have also been involved with the Lightning before, as has Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin of The Hills.

This is an experienced team the Bolts have selected as Malahide’s James Newland and Ben White of Phoenix also played for the Bolts last season.

The match against the Ireland Under 19s provides a great opportunity for these players to stake a claim for future selection with the Bolts and Lightning.

As ever, these things cost and van der Merwe is keen to acknowledge the ongoing support of main sponsors Cairn Homes.

“We simply wouldn’t be able to operate on this level without continued sponsorship. Cairn Homes have been brilliant as our main sponsor.”

Meanwhile Cricket Leinster General Manager Philip Smith acknowledged Cairn Homes’ vital contribution to cricket in the province. “We are extremely grateful for their support and without the tangible support of Cairn Homes we wouldn’t have been able to facilitate this programme as we continue to build the Lightning brand.”

Leinster Lightning Bolts v Ireland Under 19s, Sunday May 5^th

Trinity College, 11am

Leinster Lightning Bolts Squad

• Tom Stanton © - Merrion
• Jamie Grassi – North County
• Fionn Hand – YMCA
• Michael Lewis – Merrion
• Cormac McLoughlin-Gavin – The Hills
• Nathan McGuire – Rush
• James Newland – Malahide
• Andrew Sheridan – North County
• Sean Stanton – Merrion
• Patrick Tice (wk) – Merrion
• Ben White – Phoenix