England on top after Day 2 of NW World Cup

England (Newbuildings) have emerged from the opening two days of the under-13 North West World Cup at the top of the table with four wins from their first four matches.

Lewis Pearson, Blake McKeegan and Adam Allen were all among the runs as the leaders saw off previously unbeaten Ireland (St Johnston) early on before Harry Ewing (27) and Ella Wasson were in good form for the afternoon win over Portugal (Ballyspallen).

The Isle of Man also remain unbeaten, just two points behind, as they won both of Tuesday’s games as well.

Samjum Curtis top scored with 40* as the Islanders beat Canada (Coleraine) by 8 wickets early on and Zach Heanis and Sam Morris both made 35*in another comfortable win over Sri Lanka (Bonds Glen) in the afternoon game.

New Zealand (Eglinton) were also on the move; Kian O’Doherty making 29*, Harry Coyle 28*, and Tyler Averill 21 in a 49-run success over Canada.

Earlier in the day, the Kiwis bowled USA (Brigade) out for 50 as they posted a strong, 8-wicket success.

Ryan McClintock and Ollie Britton both scored 35*as Australia (Donemana) beat South Africa (Fox Lodge) by 14 runs- Sam Ashenhurst and Andrew McGarrigle both in the runs for the Ballymagorry-based team.

Young Ashenhurst was at it again in the afternoon- making 31 as South Africa put a win on the board against India (Ardmore).

The West Indies (Bready) put on a solid batting performance as they beat Ireland by 58; Sam Loughlin, Ben Campbell and Suyesh Kumar all making 35* for the Magheramason team.

Ben and Suyesh both cashed in for the second game as well as the Caribbean side also moved up the table with two wins.

Here’s hoping then for more clear skies on Wednesday as teams head into the second half of the group stage of the tournament with plenty to play for.