LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE AS DE FREITAS BLASTS BOLTS TO VICTORY

The in-form Balbriggan man Chris de Freitas was the main man for the Sherwin-O’Riordan sponsored Leinster Lightning Bolts, as his unbeaten century saw the side chase down the Emerging Warriors total of 194 with more than 15 overs to spare.

Earlier in the day the Emerging Warriors side won the toss and elected to bat first, and their opener Liam Doherty made the most of surviving a very close LBW appeal off the bowling of Mikey O’Reilly with the first ball of the innings. 40 overs and one ball later, he was dismissed for 113 which was the highest score for his side by a margin of 99 runs!

Balbriggan’s off-spinner Dylan Lues was the pick of the Bolts’ bowlers, taking 4/38 in 8 overs, with left-arm offie Daniel Forkin of Merrion also in the wickets as he took 3/29. Cian Egerton took two wickets, with John McNally the other successful bowler for the side, as they dismissed the Warriors inside 42 overs for 194.

A fine 3rd wicket stand of 67 between Adam Rosslee and Chris de Freitas put the Lightning Bolts on the front foot at 74/3, before Rosslee fell to former Railway Union man Dhram Singh for 26.

Then followed the biggest partnership of the innings, as John McNally and de Freitas added 83 in just 15 overs. McNally brought up his half century in just 43 balls, featuring five boundaries and three maximums, in the thirtieth over of the chase.

https://twitter.com/cricketleinster/status/1682053299640360960?s=46&t=_4dqAfkGPAI5aFWhQ0XVtg

Following the Clontarf man’s dismissal for 53, de Freitas made 34 of the last 42 runs scored, to bring himself to 100* with a six deposited over deep mid-wicket with just one needed to win.

That win takes the Sherwin O’Riordan Leinster Lightning Bolts to 4 wins from 4, with bonus points achieved in 3 of those victories, this sees them top of the standings with just two fixtures against the Emerging Knights remaining.

A massive thanks to all at Ardmore CC for their excellent hospitality from all involved with the Lightning Bolts this week.