Under 15 Warriors enjoy promising start to Interpro week
The North West Warriors Under 15’s have enjoyed a promising start to the Interprovincial campaign by finishing runners-up in the 50-over competition.
50-over Competition
In the opening game, the Warriors defeated NCU by 22 runs. St Johnston’s Scott Macbeth top-scored with 38 and the Eglinton pair of Corin Kyte (30) and Robert McFarland (23) helped the Warriors reach 184. The Warriors bowling unit performed well with Kyte, Bhavsar, McDaid and Crumley all picking up 2 wickets to leave the NCU all out for 162.
In the second game against Leinster, the Warriors soon found themselves on top and had reduced Leinster to 91/7. Some late order runs for Leinster helped them to 126 all out. Khayat Bhavsar (3-11), Raymond Curry (2-6) and Ben Nixon (2-21) were the pick of the Warriors bowling. A steady start saw the Warriors reach 64-2, however, a batting collapse in which they lost 8 wickets for only 19 runs, ended hopes of a victory and Leinster won by 43 runs.
In the final game, the Warriors batting finally clicked into place against Munster. Raymond Curry hit 105 from just 79 balls sharing a second wicket stand of 164 with James McKillop (68) as the Warriors made 277 for 6. Munster were all out for 102, resulting in a 175 run win and two wickets apiece for Ben Nixon, Brooke Crumley and Scott MacBeth.
T20 Competition
The focus shifted to T20’s today with a double header against NCU and Leinster. In a nail-biting finish, they defeated NCU by just 1 run. Batted first, the Warriors hit 136 thanks largely to 66 from Raymond Curry and 35 from Killyclooney’s Kenzie Hall. The bowlers had NCU under pressure at 51/6 however a great fightback from NCU saw them needing 7 to win off the last over from McFarland. The Warriors managed to hold their nerve and won by 1 run in what was a great game for both sides. Josh Wilson picked up 3 wickets for only 9 runs as the bowlers again showed their worth.
In the afternoon, the Warriors batting problems returned as they were all out for 63 against Leinster. Showing great determination and team spirit however they refused to give up and made Leinster fight all their way for their victory. Bhavsar was again in the wickets with 4-16 and reduced Leinster to 63/9 with only 2 balls to go after a superb final over from Dylan McDaid. Leinster scrambled a run off the second last ball to ensure a win by 1 wicket.
The players enjoy a rest day tomorrow with the squad and coaches all attending the Ireland v Zimbabwe ODI at Stormont. The T20 tournament concludes on Friday with their final game against Munster at 10am.
