Warriors Claim Win Before Lightning Defeat in IP20 Double Header

The North West Warriors enjoyed mixed fortunes across their Inter-Provincial Trophy double header at Wallace Park, Lisburn, defeating the Northern Knights on Tuesday before suffering a 40-run DLS defeat to Leinster Lightning on Wednesday.

Tuesday: Warriors hold off Northern Knights

The Warriors produced an impressive all-round display to defeat the Northern Knights by 16 runs after posting an imposing 214-5 from their 20 overs. Andy Balbirnie got the innings off to a flying start with 53 from just 29 deliveries, while Jared Wilson (23) and Scott Macbeth (32) kept the scoreboard ticking before Gareth Delany stole the show late on with a blistering unbeaten 55 from only 20 balls. Andy McBrine added an unbeaten 21 as the Warriors finished strongly.

The Knights threatened throughout the chase thanks to Morgan Topping’s entertaining 83 and Ryan Hunter’s unbeaten 46, but the Warriors repeatedly struck at crucial moments. Gareth Delany completed a superb all-round performance with 3-29, while Liam McCarthy and Trent McKeegan both claimed two wickets as the Knights were dismissed for 198 with one ball remaining.

Wednesday: Balbirnie century not enough against Lightning

Andy Balbirnie produced one of the innings of the tournament, carrying his bat for a magnificent 102 not out from 61 balls as the Warriors posted 176-4 from their rain-reduced 18 overs. The skipper struck 11 fours and five sixes, receiving useful support from Scott Macbeth (29) and Gareth Delany (28), while Jai Moondra claimed 3-39 for Leinster.

Set a revised DLS target of 185 from 18 overs, Leinster responded in explosive fashion after losing Tim Tector to the opening ball. Stephen Doheny hammered 42 from just 14 deliveries before Harry Tector (59*) and captain Lorcan Tucker (25*) guided the chase to 129-2 after 9.4 overs. With further rain preventing any more play, Leinster were declared winners by 40 runs under the DLS method.

Despite the defeat, Balbirnie enjoyed an outstanding two days with the bat, following his half-century against the Northern Knights with a superb unbeaten century against Leinster, underlining his excellent form in the competition.