NW Under-17’s claim Interprovincial title

The North West under-17’s were celebrating on Friday evening after a 3-wicket win over Leinster Lightning Bolts at St Johnston saw them claim the honours in this season’s Interprovincial series. It was a fantastic campaign for a squad guided by Kevin Martin and Kathryn Rough although the boys did make the finish a little bit more nervous than it needed to be.

With wins against Munster and the NCU already in the bank it was all about finishing the job in Donegal. It all started very well too with Josh Wilson bowling superbly up front to claim figure of 2-10 from his 7 overs as the Bolts found scoring difficult. Kat Bhavsar weighed in with 3-39 and Raymond Curry 2-28 as the southerners were restricted to 55-4 early on.

Philippe Le Roux then gave his side a foothold in the match as he made 60 (9 fours) with cameos of 17 from Andrew and Mark Tonge helping the visitors to a total of 155 all out. Scott Macbeth and James McKillop were also among the wickets for the home side.

The North West’s reply didn’t start well as wickets for John McNally (3-22) and Mark Tonge saw them reduced to 15-3 and 39-4 before Raymond Curry led the resistance. The Bonds Glen teenager built an 80-run 5th wicket partnership with Kat Bhavsar (24) that pretty much took the game away from Leinster.

Even after that stand was broken, Curry carried on, finally dismissed for 79 (6 fours and 3 sixes) with the end in sight. Even then the visitors felt they were in with a chance and the home side wobbled just a touch before getting home in the penultimate over with 3 wickets in hand.

A brilliant achievement for the squad to come out on top with so much quality in this competition, and things certainly looking bright for this group of players.

The under-15’s didn’t fare so well; beaten by 7 wickets at Ardmore as the NCU claimed the honours in this category. Gavin Roulston was again outstanding for the NW team, hitting 9 fours and a six in his excellent 64. Stephen Magowan added 26 in a total of 123 all out.

Sam Morris (34) and Macdara Cosgrave (34 not out) along with an unbeaten 21 from Aaron Doyle was enough to earn the NCU a comfortable win despite 2 wickets for Roulston to add to his impressive day.