July 22, 2017June 17, 2019

Five-Star Young Stuns Lightning in Hanley Energy T20 Clash

Craig Young’s five-wicket haul sent Leinster Lightning crashing to defeat in their Hanley Energy IP20 Trophy clash at Anglesea Road.

The Warriors opening bowler removed Andrew Balbirnie and Simi Singh in his opening burst, and came back to wipe out the tail, dismissing George Dockrell, Eddie Richardson and Peter Chase to finish with the excellent analysis of 5 for 22.

It was the second time Young has claimed five wickets this season in the T20 format – following up his 5 for 15 against Northern Knights last month.

A superb bowling effort by the Warriors, backed up some excellent catches, saw the Lightning in deep trouble on a dampish wicket. Andy McBrine (2-23), Steve Lazars (1-15), Stuart Thompson (1-16) and teenager Graham Kennedy (1-14) all exploiting the helpful conditions.

Sean Terry (26) held together the sorry tale of the first half, but when he went it looked like a complete rout at 62 for 6 in the 12th over.

However, Lorcan Tucker staged a mini-revival as he top scored with 44 from 29 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes) as Lightning at least gave their bowlers something to defend, finishing on 118 all out with three balls unused.

The Warriors reply was steady, as they adopted a relatively low-risk pursuit of their modest target.

Despite a slight wobble when the Bready pair of David Rankin (18) and Irosh Samarasooriya (4) fell in quick succession, the result was never in doubt.

Stuart Thompson top scored with 43 from 49 balls (3 fours, 1 six) sharing a 3rd wicket stand of 61 with Graham Kennedy (38*), before falling with the winning post in sight.

It was left to skipper Andy McBrine to hit the winning boundary from the first ball of the last over to complete a stunning win against a side containing 11 internationals, indeed it was Lightning’s first loss in any format for over three years.

The T20 trophy will now go down to the final round of games with Lightning needing a point from their trip to Cork to secure a third successive title. Warriors will travel to the Knights hoping for a slip-up – can Lightning strike twice?