Strabane Saints secure crucial win over Fox Lodge

Strabane Saints go second in the Women’s League table after a fantastic 6 wicket victory over Fox Lodge this past Monday night in Strabane Park (Report by Rachel McBrine)

Winning the toss and electing to bowl first the Foxies got all the action started early as Mollie Devine (1-12) displayed a accurate bowling performance by picking up the first wicket of Una Patton (2) in the second over. With batswomen, Anji McPorter (23) and Hazel Britton (31) now taking centre stage the pair displayed a strong partnership and got the total to 63 in 10 overs.

At this point everything seemed plan sailing for the Saints but with Sarah Black (1-16) now with the ball things took a turn on its head as she picked up the vital wicket of Britton in the eleventh over. Only four overs remaining after Britton’s dismissal, it was now the mission of McPorter and new batswomen, Emma Doherty (12*) to gain as many runs as possible.

Another change of the bowling from Kirsty Blair (1-23) proved to be a threat as McPorter played an unfortunate shot and was then caught on the boundary by Mollie Devine. A small cameo from Denise McDonald (8*) alongside Doherty steered the Saints to a final total of 83 off 16 overs.

The reply got off to a shaky start as Fox Lodge lost their top two batswoman Sarah Black (10) and Toni Miller (4) in the opening two overs. The opening quick wickets were courtesy of fantastic bowling from Megan Moorehead (1-25) and Chloe Deans (1-19).

Mollie Devine (31*) and skipper Hannah McLaughlin (26) changed the course of the game as the pair pushed the total to 68 in just thirteen overs. Everything was going well for Fox Lodge until McLaughlin was dismissed in the next over due to another change of bowling from Anji McPorter (1-12).

With the total now at 72 and only 11 runs required the pressure was on for both teams as at this point it was a hard game to call.

Denise McDonald (1-15) now with the ball bowling from the Pavilion end seemed to keep the runs at bay as Fox Lodge were unable to chase down the final runs due to the overs running out allowing Strabane Saints to pick up another fantastic victory.

Next Week’s Fixtures
Monday 8th July
Newbuildings v Burndennett