| Staci Maxwell (NCU Domestic Committee) |
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Due to the intense rain the NCU has experienced over the past few weeks, several of the Ladies fixtures, both premier league and Division 1 have been postponed. However, certain grounds around the NCU have displayed micro-climate conditions which has resulted in a few matches taking place.
On Sunday 21st July, no less than five women from the NCU had been selected to compete in the Toyota Super 3’s at Holywood. Sadly, after a delayed started and about 17 overs of play the match had to be abandoned due to heavy and persistent rain.
Elsewhere in the premier league, Waringstown played Lurgan in the local derby. Lurgan had a tough start to the season experiencing several loses, whereas Waringstown, started strongly. Waringstown batted first setting a solid target of 130. Sam Todd got captain, Lyons out early. However Murray (39) and Costley (31) batted well for Waringstown both contributing to an important partnership. The opening partnership of Grieve (94) and Todd (20) was all that the home side needed to take the victory away from Waringstown, both batters finishing unbeaten to lead Lurgan to a 10 wicket win.
Earlier in the week two games took place in Division 1. North Down hosted Holywood aces and secured a much needed win. Ali Millar (26) top scored for the home team followed by Kirsten Hewitt. Cunningham bowled well for Holywood securing two important wickets. North Down knew they could defend their total of 88 if they bowled well. Claire Henderson took 2 wickets for only 10 runs and Gracie Keenan bowled tight to give away only 8 runs for 1 wicket. Holywood batted patiently, however the run rate wasn’t where it needed to be. North Down won by 53 runs.
CSNI hosted Carrickfergus. Carrick have more match experience this season and were sitting higher in the league. CSNI batted first and an opening partnership by Rountree (53) and Healy (17) set CSNI up for a defendable total of 130. Carrick’s, McCleery bowled well finishing 2-20. Carrick lacked the experience with the bat that Civil Service had, however Passmore (29no) showed confidence with the bat, but wasn’t supported by the rest of the order. Thomas and McNaught both took 2 wickets for CSNI, leading them to a 42 run win.