A century stand between Ryan Hunter and Aaron Doyle inspired Ireland U17s to an impressive eight-wicket win chasing 150 against Scotland in the first T20 of the day at Upritchard Park. Hunter top-scored with an unbeaten 69 from 55 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), while Doyle muscled 4 sixes and 3 fours in a hard-hit 52 in just 34 balls. The Irish were able to coast to the win with 15 balls to spare despite two wickets for Logan Briggs. Scottish opener Jamie Dunk impressed with 53 (4 fours, 3 sixes), while Bahadar Esakhiel hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in his unbeaten 44 as 53 runs came in the last four overs to propel them to 149 for 6. Carson McCullough took 3 for 17, while Merrion’s Daniel Forkin (2-24) was again in the wickets, as Jeremy Bray and Andre Botha’s squad took a 2-0 series lead.

Revenge for the Scots who defended 159 to claim a 6 run victory in the second T20 of the day. Jamie Dunk in the runs again for Scotland as he added 74 with Uzair Ahmad for the second wicket. Luke Thomson the most successful of the Irish bowlers claiming three wickets while there was one each for Carson McCullough, Eoin Birch and Daniel Forkin. The Irish reply got off to a solid start, Ryan Hunter and Gavin Roulston added 48 and when Roulston fell Aaron Doyle and Hunter took the score to 91 in the twelfth over, ahead of the Scots at the same point. A flurry of wickets knocked the Irish back and only some late hitting from Eoin Birch (16*) and Luke Thomson (15) took the home side to within one hit of a second win on the day but it was not to be.

A big win for Ireland who were asked to bat first by the Scots. Gavin Roulston likely denied a century by the overs reduction due to a rain interruption. Slow Left Armer Daniel Forkin's three wickets stifled the Scottish reply and Carson McCullough's introduction late in the game produced another three. More action from the two sides at the same venue tomorrow when there are two T20s scheduled, the first starting at 10.30.

Ireland U15s ended their tour on a winning note by chasing 275 to beat Kent Western Rhinos by three wickets. Balbriggan’s Brian Dunphy hit a rapid 60 from only 37 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes) as he and the ever-consistent Rob O’Brien (41) shared a second wicket stand of 107. However a flurry of wickets had the Irish reeling on 127 for 5. However, they rallied thanks to James West’s unbeaten 84 (13 fours, 1 six) as he shared stands of 66 for the 6th wicket with skipper Ollie Riley (22) and 74 for the 7th with Reuben Wilson (25). Earlier, Ethan Marshall (3-39), Adam Leckey (2-24), and Seb Dijkstra (2-50) had been best with the ball in the Western Rhinos 275.

Ireland U15s reached the final of the Durham Festival with an impressive three wickets win against Northants. Seb Dijkstra and James West each took four wickets as the county side were bowled out for 213. Half centuries for Adam Leckey and Rob O'Brien then ensured the win, with vital runs down the order too from he YMCA duo of Reuben Wilson and Ollie Riley.

Ireland U15s made it three wins from three with a comfortable 105-run win over the Netherlands. Once again Rob O'Brien was in the runs, top-scoring with 73 as the Irish posted an impressive 316 for 6. There were runs too for Seb Yeates (51), Ethan Marshall (41*), and Brian Dunphy (31). Netherlands were in early trouble with wickets for Adam Leckey (2-26), Arshad Safi (2-36), and Ollie Riley (2-16), but rallied to end on 211 for 9. One concern for the Irish coaches will be the number of bowling extras they conceded which was over 50.

Half centuries from Brian Dunphy and Robert O’Brien ensured Ireland U15’s made it two wins from two at the Durham Festival as they beat Cleveland by 7 wickets. Dunphy top-scored with 82 from 66 balls (12 fours, 1 six) in an impressive chase, while O’Brien hit 7 boundaries in his unbeaten 54 as Ireland reached their 240 target in the 36th over. There were runs too for Adam Leckey (41*) and Seb Yeates (24). James West mad e17, but he had already done more than enough with the ball, claiming 6 for 45 to spark a Cleveland collapse, as they went from 202 for 2 to 239 all out. The Irish are back in action on Wednesday when they take on The Netherlands.

Ireland Under 15s bounced back from their disappointing 3-1 series loss to Scotland to record a comprehensive 132-run win over Cambridgeshire on the opening day of the Barnard Castle Festival. Yet again Irish skipper Ollie Riley was their star, top-scoring with an unbeaten 79 (7 fours, 1 six). He shared stands of 65 with Brian Dunphy (43 from 25 balls), and 72 with Reuben Wilson (35) as Ireland recovered from 115 for 5 to post 299 for 7. There were runs earlier for Robert O’Brien (31), and Adam Leckey (21). In the chase, four wickets for Seb Djikstra (4-19) and two for TJ Boyd saw their opponents’ slump to 95 for 8. However, they did salvage some losing points thanks to an unbroken ninth wicket stand of 72 between Seb Harrison, who hit ten boundaries in his unbeaten 71, and Harry Winn (27*) as they ended on 167 for 8.

Ireland levelled the Under 15 Celtic Cup series with an 87-run win against Scotland at Dumfries. It was two names familiar to Irish fans that inspired the victory, with James West (son of Regan) taking five wickets, and Robert O’Brien (nephew of Niall/Kevin) top-scoring with 73. Batting first, Ireland scored 221 for 9, with O’Brien sharing a third wicket stand of 69 with Adam Leckey (28). Reuben Wilson also made a run-a-ball 28, while Ethan Marshall hit 24. In the chase, Ethan Ramsay top-scored with 39 for the hosts, while Manu Sarasawat made 31, but it was the Irish spinners who would have the decisive say. CSNI all-rounder West claimed 5 for 23, while Merrion’s Seb Dijkstra took 2 for 24 in the impressive win for Simon Johnston and Andrew Poynter’s young charges.

It’s first blood to Scotland in their four-match Celtic Cup series against Ireland Under 15s at Dumfries. The opener was a real thriller, ebbing and flowing throughout before being won by the hosts by 13 runs. Scotland posted 255 thanks primarily to a brilliant 94 in 116 balls from Ollie Jones (9 fours). Olly Riley claimed a hat-trick on his way to a five-wicket haul, while there was also three wickets for Seb Dijkstra. The Irish chase got off to a shaky start at 47 for 4, but Adam Leckey and Riley shared a fifth wicket stand of 105 before Leckey fell for 51. Riley top-scored with 69, adding a further 71 with Brian Dunphy (48). However, from 223 for 5, Scotland fought back to seal the win as the Irish were bowled out for 242 in the last over. The series continues on Wednesday at the same venue.

Ireland U13s got the tri-series off to a winning start as they beat Middlesex Schools by 9 runs in a game reduced by rain to 16 overs. Knockharley's Lorcan Craik top-scored in the Irish total of 94 for 4. It proved just enough as a disciplined bowling display saw the Londoners restricted to 85 for 8. There are two games at the same venue until Thursday. Ireland U19 girls are the other side in the series.

Ireland U19 Girls made it one win apiece in the tri-series at Oak Hill after beating Ireland U13 cubs by four wickets. Chasing 121, skipper Georgina Dempsey hit 5 fours and a six in her 37 from 27 balls, and despite a wobble at 72 for 5, they clinched the win thanks to Merrion's Annabel Squires, who also made 37 from 27 balls. Earlier Bready's Swarnim Jha (48*) and Railway's Peter Le Roux (23*) had shared an unbroken stand of 68 to rescue them from a precarious 53 for 4, to finish on 121 for 4 - it wasn't enough. The mini tournament continues over the next two days.

The NCU won the battle of the north to ensure second place in the table, recovering from a poor start to win by 42 runs at Stormont. The hosts were struggling at 59 for 5, before a stand of 55 between Carson McCullough (59) and Tom Crothers (35) helped them to 179. Scott Macbeth and James Bell each took three wickets, while Gavin Roulston claimed 2 for 16. Macbeth once again top-scored with 47 (6 fours, 1 six), while Roulston made 22 and Robert McFarland (19), but the rest of the batting failed to fire as they were dismissed for 132. Mohammed Aahil took 4 for 14, while there were two wickets each for James Snell and Carson McCullough.

Leinster Under 17’s finished off their interprovincial campaign in style with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Munster at Templepatrick. Only Kei Lalor (14) managed double figures as they were dismissed for 66 in 30 overs. Donncha Tucker was again amongst the wickets, taking 4 for 14, while Merrion left-arm spinner Daniel Forkin took 3 for 9 and Clontarf’s Luke Thomson (3-12) in a ruthless bowling display from the champions. Srihan Karpe was dismissed cheaply in the chase by Eshan O’Sullivan, but James Sugrue hit 5 fours and a six in his top-score of 42, adding 47 with John McNally (20*) as they romped to the win in the 20th over, making it six wins out of six for the class of 2022.

Half centuries from skipper Philippe Le Roux and Aarron McGeehan powered Leinster to the Under 17 interprovincial title as they beat the NCU by 7 wickets at Stormont. The pair added 97 for the second wicket with Le Roux top scoring with an unbeaten 63 (6 fours, 1 six), while Clontarf opener McGeehan hit 7 fours and a six in his 57 before being dismissed by Carson McCullough (2-45). Macdara Cosgrave (17*) and Le Roux added an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 46 to pass their modest target of 152. Earlier, the hosts looked well set for a big total as openers Ryan Hunter (38) and Ryan Matthews (30) put on 60 for the first wicket. However, both fell to Daniel Forkin, who went on to claim 4 for 29. 60 for 0 became 85 for 5, and it took a sixth wicket stand of 45 between Rory Ellerby (27) and Tom Crothers (20) to get them back on track at 130 for 5. However a second collapse saw the last five fall for 22 runs – three wickets for Luke Thomson, and a final total of 152 was never likely to prove too much trouble for the strong Leinster batting line-up.

Scott Macbeth’s run-a-ball 78 steered the North West to an eight-wickets (DLS) win against Munster in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon in the Under 17 interprovincial championships in Belfast. The Bready teenager hit 7 fours and 3 sixes in his innings, totally dominating a third wicket stand of 69 with Robert McFarland (8*), having earlier added 42 with the second wicket with Gavin Roulston (25). They reached their revised target of 122 in 27 overs with 16 balls to spare. Earlier, Macbeth and Roulston had each taken 2 for 20 in Munster’s 160 for 8 – Ryan du Plessis making 42, and Sunny Gautam 26.

Two century stands, four batsmen making fifties, and a four-wicket haul for captain Harry Dyer were the highlights of the NCU Under 17’s 198-run win over Munster at Stormont as the interprovincial series continued at Stormont. The prolific Ryan Hunter enjoyed being on home turf as he top-scored with 89 from 111 balls, sharing an opening stand of 149 in 31 overs with Ryan Matthews (54). The pair fell in quick succession, but there was no respite for the beleaguered visitors as Mohammed Aahil (64*) and Harry Dyer (60*) added 131 in the last 16 overs to get the NCU up to a total of 297 for 2. That was always going to be beyond Munster who in reply struggled to 99 all out in the 40th over. Harry Dyer (4-11), David Kane (2-11), and Carson McCullough (2-15) doing the most of the damage.

A powerful batting display propelled by three half centuries saw Leinster inflict a punishing defeat on the North West. It had started brightly for the NW as Srihan Karpe fell first ball of the second over, but Aaron McGeehan (62), Eoin Birch (58) and Aaron Doyle (55) all passed 50, while there were 20s for Phillipe Le Roux and Devan Keenan as they posted 267 for 8. Spinners Sam Kincaid (2-27) and Scott Macbeth (2-33) were best with the ball. In the chase, Gavin Roulston hit 25, while Scott Macbeth made 24, and Ryan Clarke 12 in their 94 all out. For Leinster, left-arm spinner Donncha Tucker was their five-wicket hero, while there were two wickets apiece for left-arm seamer Matthew Weldon and another leftie – Merrion spinner Daniel Forkin – in the comprehensive 173-run win.

A powerful all-round display saw the NCU Under 17s beat their NW counterparts by 82 runs at St Johnston. Batting first the visitors were given a solid start with an opening stand of 69 between Ryan Matthews (24) and Ryan Hunter. The CSNI wicket-keeper top-scored with 77 from 55 balls (9 fours), as 103 runs came in the second half of the innings. Carson McCullough (27) and Mohammed Aahil (23) both hitting two sixes and a four in breezy cameos. A total of 174 for 3 was always likely to be challenging, but to be fair to the hosts they raced out of the traps as Gavin Roulston (36) and Scott Macbeth shared an opening stand of 54 in six overs. However once Jack Snell (2-12) broke the partnership, the rest fell like dominoes, with three wickets apiece for David Kane (3-11) and skipper Harry Dyer (3-29) as the North West were dismissed for 92.

Aaron Doyle’s hard-hit half century powered Leinster to their third win of the week and they sit proudly on top of the U17 table heading into next week’s 50-overs competition in Belfast. Doyle hit 6 sixes and 3 fours on his way to 62 from only 36 balls, sharing an opening stand of 66 in eight overs with skipper Phillipe Le Roux (34). Macdara Cosgrave also made an unbeaten 35 as Leinster finished on 159 for 5 – two wickets for Eshan O’Sullivan and Zain Hafeez. Munster struggled in their reply, as they could only limp to 78 for 9 – Hafeez top-scoring with 19. Best with the ball for the young Dubliners were Donncha Tucker (3-16), Luke Thomson (2-3) and Srihan Karpe (2-25) as they ran out 81-run winners.

The North West won the afternoon clash with Munster thanks to a fine all-round bowling effort which saw them chasing only 66. Munster’s innings never got going and they struggled against spinners Sam Haslett and Sam Kincaid, who each took two wickets as they were bowled out in the 18th over. The North West juggled their batting order and they too were soon in trouble as two wickets for Kei Laylor and one for Ehsan O’Sullivan had them wobbling at 15 for 3. However, left-hander Gavin Roulston cleared the ropes three times in an unbeaten 30, as he and skipper Scott Macbeth (23) added 43 for the fourth wicket to all but clinch the deserved win.

Luke Thomson’s four-wicket haul was the catalyst for Leinster’s seven wickets win against the NCU in the afternoon’s T20 match. The Clontarf bowler took two wickets in his first over to leave the visitors’ innings in disarray. He took another in his second, and at 5 for 3, it was all about salvaging some pride. Skipper Harry Dyer (27) and Carson McCullough (25) added 44 for the fourth wicket, but further wickets for Daniel Forkin (3-11), and Srihan Karpe (2-10) dismissed them for a modest 82. In the chase, Aaron Doyle hit three boundaries in a quick 12, while skipper Phillipe Le Roux and Macdara Cosgrave each made 24 as the hosts eased towards victory. Mark Canniffe (15*) then cleared the ropes twice as they sealed the seven wickets win in the 13th over, despite the best efforts of Dyer (2-23).

The NCU started their Under 17 campaign with a 56-run win over Munster at Park Avenue. An unbroken fourth wicket stand of 67 between Mohammed Aahil (47*) and Carson McCullough (34*) propelled the Northern side to 145 for 3 in their 20 overs, with double figure contributions too from Ryan Hunter (18) and Harry Dyer (12). Best with the ball for Munster were Ehsan O’Sullivan (1-18) and Kanishk Kumar (1-24). Munster batted steadily in the chase with their star performer being Mosawer Sidiqi, who hit 3 fours and 2 sixes in his 45 from 44 balls. However, two wickets each from Carson McCullough (2-17) and David Kane (2-21) restricted Munster to 89 for 6, the NCU comfortable 56-run winners in the end.

Leinster held their nerve to beat the North West by 20 runs in the opening Under 17 interprovincial T20 match at Claremont Road. Chasing 135, the visitors opening stand of 74 in 12 overs had them very much in contention, before the innings faltered away as scoreboard pressure told and the required rate increased. Gavin Roulston hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in his 55 from 41 balls, dominating the opening stand with Bready team amte Ryan Clarke (23). Devon Keenan’s 2 for 14 was largely responsible for the tail-off, while Luke Thomson’s 1-20 also played a part. Earlier, Keenan had made a valuable 20, while Srihan Karpe top-socred with 27 in Leinster’s 135 for 9, in which six of the top seven made double figures. James Bell (3-30) took three wickets, Sam Kincaid (2-33) bagged two, while there was one apiece for Jamie Mutch, Scott Macbeth and Gavin Roulston.

There was a real thriller in the Under 17 interpro at Balbriggan as the hosts beat the NCU by two wickets chasing 183. Batting first, Carson McCullough made a fine 70 in the NCU total of 183 for 9, with Merrion left-arm spinner Daniel Forkin claiming 3 for 21 and Clontarf left-armer claiming 2 for 32. Srihan Karpe got the chase off to a good start with 44, but Harry Dyers four wickets brought the visitors right back into contention. However, Eoin Birch’s 36 proved crucial as the two-wicket win was sealed in the 35th over.

The NCU secured a quite remarkable win over their Leinster counterparts in the first of their Under 17 interprovincial clashes this week. It looked bleak for the hosts as they were bundled out for just 66 at Pirrie Park, with Harry Dyer top-scoring with 17, Yash Bala (4-15), and Daniel Forkin (2-8) doing the damage for the ball. Any thoughts the chase would be a routine one were soon dispelled as the NCU reduced them to 22 for 7. Phillipe Le Roux (22*) and Luke Thomson (23) looked to salvage things with a stand of 31, but the hosts held their nerve to seal a dramatic five-run win in the final over. The NCU bowling unit bowled superbly with two wickets each for Carson McCullough, Harry Dyer, Angus Farrell and John Speers. The second match of the afternoon was abandoned with Leinster 140 for 4 – half centuries for Aaron Doyle and Mark Canniffe.

Leinster ended the youth interprovincial series undefeated with a comprehensive 225-run win over Munster in the U15 series at Farmer’s Cross. Batting first, Leinster lost Brian Dunphy second ball but Ethan Marshall (30) and Luke Fagan got the innings back on track with a second wicket stand of 46 in four overs. Skipper Ollie Riley (11) went quickly, but a T20 youth record stand of 175 in 13 overs between Fagan and Bruce Whaley powered Leinster to a mammoth 263 for 4. Fagan hit 10 fours and 8 sixes as he top-scored with 122 from 51 balls, while Whaley hit 11 fours in his unbeaten 75 from 44 deliveries. Krisnath Kumar took two of the four wickets to fall, and he top-scored with 12 as Munster were skittled for 38, with Ollie Riley taking 4 for 10, and Febin Manoj 2 for 5. Leinster then completed the double, winning all 12 matches in the boys series.

A half century from Seb Yeates and a combined seven wickets for James West and Mark Hanna ensured the NCU Under 15s ended their interprovincial campaign with a 31-run win over the North West at Bonds Glen. Opener Yeates hit eight boundaries in his 59 from 49 balls, sharing an opening stand of 46 with James West (16) and 50 for the second with Adam Leckey (21) in their total of 129 for 4. Cody Mehaffey (2/12) was best with the ball for the hosts. The NW reply got off to an excellent start as Charlie Simpson (27) and Jake Montgomery (22) shared an opening stand of 48, but the innings faltered after the stand was broken. James West (4-15) and Mark Hanna (3-13) doing the damage as he innings closed on 98 for 9. The NCU finished second behind champions Leinster, with the NW third, and Munster fourth.

An unbroken stand of 56 between Cody Mehaffey and skipper Charlie Downey led the North West to a seven wicket win against Munster in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon. Mehaffey top scored with an unbeaten 33 from 34 balls (3 fours, 1 six), while Downey’s run-a-ball 30 included four boundaries. Charlie Simpson also made 21 as they coasted to victory in the 18th over, despite the best efforts of Mohammed Ahmadzai (1-8). Earlier, the Munster total of 111 for 6 was mostly down to the efforts of opener Krisanth Kumar, who batted through the innings for 45 not out.

Brian Dunphy’s blistering start led Leinster to a 42-run win over NCU and in the process clinched the Under 15 interpro title, adding to the 17s won yesterday by Brian O’Rourke’s talented squad. Balbriggan pener Dunphy hit 9 boundaries as he top-scored with 44 from 27 balls, as he side had 66 for 1 on the board after seven overs. The NCU fought back to reduce them to 94 for 8, but a ninth wicket stand of 32 between Seb Dijkstra (19) and Arshad Safi (18*) took them to 126 for 9. The NCU chase got off to a poor start with James West run out in the first over, and they slipped to 38 for 7, with two wickets for Ethan Marshall, Luke Marshall and Reuben Wilson. Jed Dornan’s unbeaten 24 gave some respectability to the total of 84 allout, but it was another dominant display by the Dubliners.

Title favourites Leinster overwhelmed the NW in a real non-contest at Sydney Parade. Batting first the North West were blown away by the Leinster attack for whom Irish U19 international Reuben Wiilson took four wickets for just four runs, while Seb Dijkstra (3-7) and Arshad Safi (2-12) were also amongst the wickets. Charlie Downey (14) was the only double figure contribution to their 52 all out, having been 12 for 5 at one stage. Leinster raced out of the blocks, clearly determined to improve their NRR. Ethan Marshall hit 4 fours and 2 sixes in a top score of 29 not out from only 15 balls as the modest target was passed in the sixth over, losing two consolation wickets to TJ Boyd and Charlie Downey.

The NCU started the T20 phase of the Under15 interprovincials with an emphatic 81-run win over Munster at Claremont Road. Opener Seb Yeates (32) got his side off to a fast start, but three wickets for Cronin Browne stalled their progress at 114 for 5. Adam Heasley then struck 9 fours in a rapid 62 from 40 balls, sharing an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 82 in just 8 overs with Luka Bates (37*) as the NCU posted 196 for 5. Munster’s reply got off to a fast start as Cian McKenzie (28), Krisanth Kumar (23) and Stockenstorm (19) took them to 72 for 1 in the 9th over. However, it fell away as they ended up on 115 for 8, with NCU using ten bowlers. Luka Bates taking 2 for 5 in the one-sided contest.

A powerful batting display by NCU saw them overwhelm their North West counterparts with a 150-run win at Holywood. Seb Yeates top scored with a fluent 82 from 87 balls (12 fours), laying the foundation for their total of 292 of 7 with an opening stand of 64 with Adam Heasley (22). Yeates and skipper Adam Leckey (67) then added 103 in 18 overs for the second wicket as the North West attack continued to toil. Luka Bates made a run-a-ball and James West scored 20, while Charlie Downey took three wickets in the late chase for runs. The North West batting never got any momentum, and the result was a foregone conclusion early on. Cody Mehaffey top-scored with 26, while Seth Guy hit a quickfire 21 in their total of 142. James West was the most successful of the bowlers taking 3-31, while Conor McVicker (2-7) picked up two, while there was one apiece for Luka Bates, Alex Armstrong and Adam Leckey in the comprehensive win.

Arshad Safi’s five-wicket haul helped Leinster Under 15s to the 50-overs title after they overpowered Munster at Belmont. The Afghanistan born Pembroke leg-spinner took 5 for 15 as Munster were dismissed for 127. The other wickets were taken by skipper Ollie Riley (3-23), Ethan Marshall (1-28), and Seb Dijkstra (1-22). Galway’s Ethan Stockenstorm top scored with 35, while there were runs too for the consistent Kanishk Kumar, and Ramiz Maqsood. Brian Dunphy (21) and Luke Fagan (20) got the chase off to a solid start before both were dismissed by skipper Cronan Healy-Browne (2-26). A third wicket stand of 65 in just seven overs between Bruce Whaley – who hit 7 fours in a rapid 49 from just 27 balls – and Ethan Marshall (22*) ensured the win, despite two late wickets for Ibrahim Ahsan (2-6). The six wicket victory was sealed in the 15th over.

The North West opened their account in the Under 15 interpros with a comfortable seven-wicket win against Munster at Seapark. Aadi Maini of North Down, playing as a guest for the Cork side, top-scored with 23 as they were dismissed for 80 – Kanishk Kumar (15) the only other player to reach double figures. Charlie Downey of Newbuildings took three early wickets, while Bready’s Matthew Collum claimed 4 for 21 in a fine bowling effort. The North West lost three wickets as they chased their modest target in the 16th over, with Cody Mehaffey hitting 6 fours and a six in a fluent 47 from 50 balls.

An unbeaten 44 from YMCA’s Reuben Wilson steered Leinster Under 15s to a four-wicket win against hosts NCU at Belmont. Chasing 162, Leinster had slipped to 95 for 5 despite 43 from Bruce Whaley, with CSNI spinner James West taking three wickets. But Wilson stayed resolute, getting the runs needed in conjunction with Robert O’Brien (11) and Febin Manoj (12*). Earlier, NCU had been in trouble at 46 for 5, but the lower order rallied, with Mark Hanna and Conor McVicker making 27 apiece as they finished on 162. Manoj completed a fine all-round day with three wickets, while there were two apiece for skipper Ollie Riley, Seb Dijkstra, and Ethan Marshall – who showed the ups and downs of cricket. He made a century yesterday, but failed to score today.

Adam Heasley scored a brilliant century on his home ground at Belmont to get NCU Under 15’s defence of their crown off to a winning start with an emphatic 214-run win over Munster. Heasley struck 14 fours and a six in his 112, sharing an opening stand of 120 with Seb Yeates, and 127 for the second wicket with Adam Leckey. Skipper Leckey hit an even time 70, while there were late runs too for James West, who hit five boundaries in a rapid 22. The final total of 339 for 7 was bolstered by 66 extras, with Kanishk Kumar taking three wickets and Muhammad Ahmadzai two. Kumar top-scored with a defiant 35 in the Munster reply of 125. Best of the home side attack was Mark Hanna who took 3 for 17, while there were two wickets apiece for Seb Yeates and Alex Armstrong.

Ethan Marshall’s century got Leinster’s Under 15 campaign off to a winning start with an emphatic 169-run win over the North West at Seapark. The Clontarf batsman hit 12 fours and 2 sixes in his 102, sharing stands of 80 for the second wicket with Bill Whaley (35), and 121 for the third with skipper Ollie Riley (50). Robert O’Brien chipped in with 36 as Leinster finished on 296 – three wickets for TJ Boyd and three run outs stopping them getting over 300. The North West reply never got out of first gear against the powerful attack. Arshad Safi took three wickets, and Ireland Under 19 international Reuben Wilson two in a statement win.

Ollie Riley produced a super all-round display to help his Leinster Under 15 side to a 170-run win against their NCU counterparts at North County. A half century from Robert O’Brien (54), plus 46 from Riley and 31 from Ethan Marshall (31) saw the hosts make 215 – two wickets for Watt. It was with the ball that Riley came to the fore, producing one of the finest spells in recent memory at this level, taking eight wickets for just one run, including a hat-trick, as the NCU were bundled out for 45.

James West produced a fine all-round display as the NCU beat Leinster by four wickets in the Under 15 interprovincial at Upritchard Park. He took two wickets to help restrict Leinster to 97 for 6, with runs for Bruce Whaley (23) and Robert O’Brien (20). He then top-scored with 29 as the NCU edged home with an over to spare – runs too for Mark Hanna (24). For Leinster, Ethan Marshall and Seb Dijkstra each claimed two wickets. The second match of the weekend was abandoned, with the NCU ell placed on 40 for 1 in the 6th over. The 15s and 17s will meet again on Wednesday when they play 40 overs matches at Balbriggan and North County.

Leinster Under 13s completed a clean sweep of their interprovincial series against the NCU with an eight-wicket win. The NCU were dismissed for 69 with Frank Hollway (17), and Harry Robinson (13) reaching double figures. Best with the ball for Leinster were Aadi Wankhade (4-10), and Marius Pieenar (2-2). Lorcan Craik made short work of the chase with a hard-hit 46, while Peter Le Roux made 14 as the win was sealed in the 13th over.

NCU B claimed the Under 13 Festival title with a 54-run win against Munster at Foyle College. The victory was set up by a third wicket partnership of 107 in 10 overs between Myles McNaught, and Luke Crothers (27). McNaught unveiled his full repertoire of strokes as he hit 10 fours and 5 sixes in a brilliant 83 that was the innings of the week. Five wickets by Limerick’s Ayan Ullah (5-41) brought his side back into contention, but a final total of 172 in 30 overs was always going to be challenging. Munster in reply couldn’t get going against a disciplined NCU attack, with Daniel Rayner getting two wickets in their total of 118 for 7 – Zaki Khalid top-scoring with 33.

The North West clinched second place with a 39-run win over Leinster B. Bobby Brolly scored his second half century in two days, sharing a fourth wicket stand of 56 with Neelanch, who made 20. Leg-spinner Sidhardt Biju (3-16) and Aryan Adelkar (2-17) brought Leinster back into the contest as they dismissed the hosts for 128. Early wickets for Prathan Goud-Sama (3-14), and Swarnim Jha (3-20) had Leinster in trouble at 34 for 6, but a counter-attacking stand of 50 between Luka Vekic (31) and Arshat Sudhaharan (18) brought them back into contention. However, two wickets apiece for Neelanch (2-2) and Bobby Brolly (2-5) sealed the win.

The North West ran out comfortable 147-run winners against their Munster counterparts in the Under13 Festival at Foyle College. Early wickets for Mark Donnelly (2-38) had the hosts in trouble at 44 for 4, but half centuries from the Bready duo of Ben Campbell and Swarnim Jha, plus one from Ardmore left-hander Bobby Brolly rescued the situation. Campbell top-scored with 71 (8 fours), while Jha (60) thumped 8 fours and 3 sixes, and Brolly hit 5 fours in his 57 as they posted 247 for 7. Munster in reply were bowled out for 100, with Cork County’s Cillian Ross top-scoring with 22, and Limerick’s Ayan Ullah making 14. Killyclooney’s Alfie Moan and Newbuildings Adam Adam Allen each claimed two wickets.

While their B sides are taking part in the Derry Festival, the A sides from Leinster and the NCU continued their Under 13 series, with Leinster completing another win to take an unassailable 3-0 lead. Batting first Leinster made 159 with Callum Armstrong making 32 and Toby O’Connell 20. Frank Hollway (3-32) was the pick of the attack. In the reply, Luke Fisher made 21 and Hollway 20, but a fine bowling effort saw them dismissed for 89, with Marius Pieenar claiming 2 for 15.

The NCU B side are on course to win the North West Under 13 Festival after winning their second close game in two days, edging out favourites Leinster B by two wickets. Batting first, Leinster were dismissed for 126 with Aadil Naizam top-scoring with 34, Aryan Adelakar hitting 23, and Sheryas Rajeshs 18. Matthew Kennedy took three wickets, while there were two apiece for Edward Hall and Jaxon Dines. The chase was a tense one but the NCU prevailed thanks primarily to Jack Robinson’s 39. Brandon Vincenzo (3-19), and Aadil Naizam (2-30) were best with the ball for Leinster.

The NCU B side overcame the North West by just two wickets in their match at Foyle College. The hosts made 137 for 9 in their 30 overs, with two wickets apiece for Edward Hall and Daniel Rayner. The chase was a tense one, with Jack Robinson making a stylish 49, and Myles McNaught a quickfire 29 as they clinched the victory in the penultimate over.

Leinster B won their opening match of the Under 13 Festival in the North West as they overcame a battling Munster to win eventually by 88 runs. Runs for Sheryas Rajeshs (47), Joe Russell (43) and Ryan Keenan (30) took Leinster to 153 for 2, before Munster rallied with three wickets for Limerick’s Ayan Ullah restricting them to 197 for 6. Injuries to two Munster players, including their opener meant an uphill battle, but 35 from Ullah and 24 from Khalid saw them add 54 for the 6th wicket on their way to 109. Gautem Rana (3-8) was the pick of the Leinster attack.

Leinster took a two-nil series against the NCU as they won by 78 runs in the Under 13 interprovincials at Pirrie Park. Ted Hassler top-scored with 48, while Gethin Kelleher made 26 as the visitors advanced to 95 for 2. However four wickets for Ben Walsh and three for Hugo Robinson saw eight wickets tumble for 29 runs as Leinster were 124 all out. The chase never got going though, with the hosts dismissed for 46 against a very disciplined attack. Jan Dijkstra and Toby O’Connell the most successful, each claiming two wickets for seven runs. The sides meet again on Thursday at Ringcommons in the third match of the four-game series.

It was a tough day for the NCU who lost to a very strong Leinster in the first of their four-match series this week in the game at RingCommins. Knockharley's Lorcan Craik hit 107 from 47 balls as the hosts posted 302 for 7. They were runs too for Jan Dijkstra (40) and Peter Le Roux (37), while Carrickfergus bowler Reuben McIlwrath took 2 for 34. Chasing the daunting total the NCU were all out for 44, with three wickets for Gethin Kelleher (3-8).

A half century from Eli Clarke and five wickets from Gautam Rana helped Leinster Under 11s to a series-levelling win at Shaw's Bridge. Clarke top-scored with 64 as Leinster made 188 in their 30 overs, with runs too for Shravon Biju (30*) and Sam Pepper (27). Sai Darsham (3-22) was the pick of the hosts attack. Elliott Parkhill (40) and Callum Wilson (28) made runs in the chase, but Rana claimed 5 for 13 to ensure the 54-run win and ensured the series ended two matches apiece.

David Agnew scored a century as the NCU beat Leinster in their Under 11 match at Shaw’s Bridge to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series. Agnew’s unbeaten 115 together with 35 from Felix McMillan saw the hosts post 209 for 8 in their 30 overs – two wickets each for Dhruv Komati 2-18, and Gautam Rana 2-20. Fintan McCarthy then took four wickets for 11 runs as Leinster were bowled out for 163. Best with the bat for the visitors were Gareth O’Neill (46) and Ruvin Loka (26).