Women Warriors start with a win as Emerging series begins

Alana Dalzell certainly hit the ground running at Bready on Monday afternoon; the Emerging Warriors skipper leading from the front as the hosts began the Women’s Future Series with a 35-run win over Ireland’s under-17’s.

The Bready and Ireland all-rounder made 84 in her side’s 229-8 and then took 3-36 in the second innings as the Irish girls were bowled out for 194 in reply.

Partnerships of 63 between Dalzell and Sarah Black (42) and then 42 between the skipper and Zara Craig (27) teed up the Emerging Warriors big total, despite a top effort with the ball from Ellie McGee (2-28 from 10) and Freya Sargent (2-41).

Clontarf’s Julie McNally made an even-time 55 and skipper Sargent 46 in a 90-run fourth wicket stand that threatened to overhaul the target before Tanisha Hussain (3-43) picked up both the key wickets.

The bowlers stayed on top after that, despite an unbeaten 25 from McGee as the Warriors started with the win.

Leinster also put their first points on the board early as they saw off the Emerging Knights by 40 runs on Bready’s top field.

Christina Coulter-Reilly made 82 at the top of the order with cameos from Isobel Jennings (19) and Sophie Stewart (17*) as the Dubliners set a target of 213-9.

Aoife Fisher made a superb 80 in the NCU’s reply, however support was in short supply with 37 ‘extras’ and 17 from Gracie Keenan the only other contributors of note as they closed on 173 all out.

Day 2 action starts at the earlier time of 10.45 at Magheramason on Tuesday.