In a thrilling under 15 Leinster Boys Cup final at Balrothery on Tuesday, Terenure just about got the better of a game and battling North County side. Before a large turnout of supporters from both clubs, a runs total of just under 400 off 69 overs ensured a gripping encounter with the County making a spirited response to the Terenure total of 212 but falling just short by26 runs.
A superb century by Donal Lynch (113) paved the way for Terenure’s victory. Lynch formed an opening partnership of 144 with Mike Hogan (55) and with a solid contribution from Mikey Hoey (28), Terenure set a challenging target. The North County batsmen started well and took every opportunity to beat the field; an excellent innings by Nathan Rooney (55) kept County within reach and there were also strong contributions from Brian Smyth (20) and Sean Sludds (23).
At one stage it looked as if County were going to reach their target but some good bowling by David O'Connor (3/20/3) and Gavin Finn (2/42/8.3) and excellent fielding by Mark Fogarty, Terry Kennedy and Gavin Hughes secured the day for Terenure in a nail biting finish. For North County Roscoe Staunton with 3/47/9 bowled particularly well. Mike Hogan had a fine game for Terenure both with the bat and behind the stumps.
The win maintains Terenure’s success record at under 15’s level having won at least one of the major provincial titles in each of the last three years.