Warriors u-17 girls turn on the style
A busy Inter-provincial season for the North West Warriors U-17 girls came to and end with a residential camp at Campbell College, Belfast last week.
The Warriors’ first game was moved indoors to UUJ where they successfully chased down the Knights’ 151 to win by 8 wickets, Zara Craig with 41 and an unbeaten 71 from Strabane’s Chloe Deans laying the foundations for that victory.
Next day the Warriors set the Knights 97 to win in the T20 with Cody Wallace top scoring on 31. Some excellent bowling from new ball pair Eglinton’s Zara Craig and Burndennett’s Kacey Laird (4-11) gave the Warriors a 28 run win.
A week earlier Foyle College was the setting for a 3-day series between the teams in the North West. The young Warriors were impressive again with a 3-0 series win, the first game thanks to 36 from Eglinton wicket keeper Eva Gaston and 4 wickets for Kara Bates paving the way for an 80-run victory.
Game 2 was a tight affair with the Warriors chasing 74 to win by 2 wickets, Killyclooney’s Cody Wallace and Fox Lodge’s Lucy Blair kept a cool head to see the Warriors home.
Game three saw a 19-run victory and Strabane wicket keeper Lucy McGranaghan again showing why she is one of the brightest prospects in the country.
With each of the residential series the girls went ten pin bowling and ice skating in Derry and Dundonald and the team spirit was clear to see. The girls all enjoy being part of the squad, with girls from clubs from all around the North West representing the region.
Head Coach Stephen McCartney said, “The squad have really developed as the season went on. We’ve trained well during the winter and along with Kevin Gallagher’s strength and conditioning work the team was well prepared.
The season was a great learning curve once we got into game situations. As a squad we look forward to seeing our players move towards the Warriors Senior Ladies team and also for some to have an opportunity to be seen and an opportunity at Irish selection.
The contribution of Gary McDaid coaching the team and NW Development Officer for women and girls, Kathryn Rough has formed a fantastic management team. Thanks also to Warriors Head Coach Ian McGregor, Brian Allen and David Scanlon for the Coaching Masterclass sessions during the season.”
