Big performances mark the start of Senior Women’s League

The North West Women’s League got under way on Monday night with the three games in the senior division played out in ideal conditions. The highest scoring contest of the evening was at Eglinton where a superb second wicket stand of 124 between Zara Craig (72 not out) and Arianna McKenna (59 not out) helped the home side to a superb total of 156-1 in their 20 overs.

It proved to be just enough however as Angie Porter made 64 not out and Kylie McGarrigle 46 as Strabane reached 144-0 before coming up just 4 runs short.

Coleraine played their first competitive game at this level as they travelled to Bready and Stephen McCartney and his team can be proud of their efforts on debut. There was a minute’s silence for Roy Torrens before the game before the Bannsiders were reduced to 38 all out in the 20th over as they batted first. Kenya McCartney, the coach’s daughter top-scored with 17 of those.

Sophie Killen bowled superbly for Bready to return figures of 4-7 with Rachel Hepburn adding 2-6- McCartney suggesting that the accuracy of the Magheramason team’s attack was something for his side to aim for in the longer term.

Alana Dalzell made 23 not out in Bready’s reply but not before Chloe Torrens picked up 2-8 and Alex Simmington a wicket as well as the newcomers went down fighting.

In the final game, Fox Lodge were much too strong for Killyclooney, posting a 10-wicket win at Ballymagorry.

Mollie Devine returned superb figures of 5-7 and there were two wickets apiece for Lucy Neely and Sarah Black as the visitors were dismissed for 56.

Sarah Black with 30 and Emma Allen 23 knocked off the runs without the loss of a wicket to get their season off on a convincing note.

WOMEN’S LEAGUE RESULTS

At Ballymagorry, Fox Lodge beat Killyclooney by 10 wkts

Killyclooney 56 (19.3 overs; Mollie Devine 5-7, Lucy Neely 2-10, Sarah Black 2-14)

Fox Lodge 57/0 (10.1 overs; Sarah Black 30*, Emma Allen 23*)

At Magheramason, Bready beat Coleraine by 7 wickets

Coleraine 38 (19 overs; Kenya McCartney 17; Sophie Killen 4-7, Rachel Hepburn 2-6, Kaylee Barnard 1-3, Stephanie Wilkinson 1-4, Alana Dalzell 1-7, Jemma Rankin 1-9)

Bready 39-3 (A11 overs; Alana Dalzell 23*, Chloe Torrens 2-8, Alex Simmington 1-5 )

At Eglinton, Eglinton beat Strabane Saints by 4 runs

Eglinton 156/1 (20 overs; Zara Craig 72*, Arianna McKenna 59*)

Strabane Saints 152/2 (20 overs; Angie Porter 64*, Kylie McGarrigle 46; Ria Moore 1-21)