The Leinster Lightning had a bonus-point 7-wicket victory over the Munster Reds in the Test Triangle InterProvincial T20 Trophy on Tuesday and will take an unchanged squad into Thursday’s joust with the Northern Knights.
Lorcan Tucker and Tyrone Kane were key to the Lightning securing a second bonus point victory over the Reds, in a match reduced to 13-overs a side.
The Lightning bowlers all contributed to restricting their hosts to 76/8 with the wickets falling at regular intervals as Munster were unable to build any partnerships of note.
George Dockrell took 2-12, however it was James Newland (1-4), into the side to replace the injured Josh Little, who made the vital breakthrough having Jeremy Lawlor caught behind by Tucker.
The difference in the sides batting performances was that Lorcan Tucker (28*) and Tyrone Kane (25) then proceeded to take the visitors to the brink of victory. After steadily rebuilding the innings for a number of overs they unleashed a flurry of maximums through the eighth and ninth overs.
Between them they smashed five sixes as they brought up the 50-partnership before Kane departed with just 14 runs required. Curtis Campher’s 12 off five deliveries gave a glimpse of his abilities with the bat, however Kane and Tucker had done the heavy lifting in the innings.
Lightning Head Coach Nigel Jones had this to say ahead of Thursday’s match.
“There was a time when we didn’t think we would have any cricket this season, so we are delighted to be getting out there again on Thursday to perform and play the game.
“We all know, and I’ve stressed this to the boys, that if we carry out our skills and play to our capabilities, the results will look after themselves.
“The key thing is to keep pushing ourselves on, but we’re certainly looking forward to getting another game of cricket in, provided the weather allows.”
The Leinster Lightning continue their interprovincial campaign with a T20 fixture against the Northern Knights at 3pm on Thursday September 3rd at Pembroke Cricket Club. The squad for that match is below.
Leinster Lightning Squad for T20 v Northern Knights, Thursday September 3rd, Pembroke CC, 3pm
George Dockrell © – Leinster
Rory Anders – YMCA
Curtis Campher – YMCA
Peter Chase – Malahide
Stephen Doheny – Rush
Greg Ford - Malahide
Tyrone Kane – Merrion
James Newland – Malahide
Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
Simi Singh – YMCA
Fiachra Tucker – Pembroke
Lorcan Tucker – Pembroke