MCC WOMEN OVERCOME CRICKET LEINSTER PRESIDENTS XI IN CLOSE FINISH

After some overnight rain the CL President's XI and MCC Women played a 40 over match in sunny Sydney Parade. MCC Women, featuring a superbly timed century from Cecelia Joyce were victorious by 5 wickets.

Earlier, the MCC Women had asked the Cricket Leinster team to bat first. CL started well with a partnership of 108 for the first wicket (Searle and Loughran with twin 50's), followed up by and unbeaten 50 from Sarah Forbes to set a commanding total of 206 in 40 overs. Pick of the bowlers was Clontarf's Bhavi Devchand with 1/29 off her allocation of 8 overs.

In reply the Leinster bowlers started well, restricting MCC Women while taking wickets regularly. The arrival of Cecelia Joyce was to change things however and her well practised strong hitting and exquisite timing took the game away from the home team. It was fitting that the winning moment of the game came down to her, achieving her unbeaten 100 off 81 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes.

Aimee Maguire was the pick of the bowlers for the home team (2/21 off 4.1) with Kate McEvoy and Katie Dillon also taking wickets.

Cricket Leinster were delighted to host MCC Women for this match and a short presentation ceremony after the match saw MCC skipper Elysa Hubbard make a presention to Sarah Forbes for her performance and to Isobel Joyce of Cricket Leinster for hosting the match. In return Cricket Leinster presented Cecilia Joyce with a Player of the Match award and the MCC with mementos of the match to mark the start of what is hopefully a longstanding partnership.