North West Warriors fall to Leinster in IP50 Final

North West Warriors were unable to overcome a powerful Leinster Lightning side as they fell to a 170-run defeat in the Inter-Provincial Cup (IP50) Final at Pembroke Cricket Club. After opting to bowl first, the Warriors found themselves under pressure from the outset as Tim Tector (122) and Stephen Doheny (124) shared a mammoth 235-run opening partnership. Harry Tector then blasted 86 from just 35 deliveries and Lorcan Tucker added a rapid 52 to propel Leinster to an imposing 446-6. Andy McBrine (2-63) and Ryan MacBeth (2-65) claimed two wickets apiece, while Liam McCarthy and Trent McKeegan also struck, but Leinster’s batting depth proved decisive.

Chasing an enormous target, the Warriors lost early wickets before Andy McBrine produced a magnificent captain’s innings, compiling a superb 100 from 93 balls with 11 fours and three sixes. Ben Calitz added 41, Scott MacBeth made 41 and Jared Wilson (34) and Liam McCarthy (33) also made useful contributions, but regular wickets prevented any sustained momentum. George Dockrell starred with the ball for Leinster, taking 4-55, as the Warriors were eventually dismissed for 276 in 40.4 overs. While the result did not go their way, McBrine’s outstanding century was a major positive as the Warriors finished runners-up in this year’s competition.