ECB Women’s County Championships ODI/T20 and European Cup
A sunny May bank holiday weekend over the pond, saw the start of the ECB Women’s County Championships for the Irish women’s cricket team.
They traveled to play Lancashire and Durham for their opening fixtures.
4th May - Ireland v Lancashire
Ireland’s opening game was against a newly promoted Lancashire who came up to Division 2 at the end of 2013.
Ireland's innings never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals, mainly to England's Kate Cross (4/29). Bhumika Doshi and Nalisha Patel also picked up a couple of wickets each.
Experienced Merrion player Isobel Joyce (35) and Malahide captain Mary Waldron (26) saw Ireland through with a low score of 122/10.
Lancashire lost Laura Marshall early in their reply, but from then on the win was never in doubt as Emma Lamb (57) and Eleanor Threlkeld (31) steadily accumulated the runs. The game was won in the 31st over with four wickets down.
5th May - Ireland v Durham
This game for Ireland was a much closer affair. Ireland batted first and made 108/10 in 44 overs with Loughborough/YMCA’s player Emma Flanagan (23) the top scorer, and Isobel Joyce making 21.
In reply Durham staggered to 37/7 and then 66/9, before a brave last wicket partnership took them past 100 and closer to their first victory in this tournament.
But a direct hit run out from Leinster CC player Amy Kenealy at mid-off ended the Durham innings and Ireland won the game by six runs.
Full scorecards of all Ireland Women games available here
http://www.cricketeuropearchives.com/CEIRELAND/2014/IRELAND/WOMEN/international.shtml
This summer the Irish women will take part in this 50 Over competition and then later in another ECB Women’s County T20 competition.
This is all ahead of their ICC European Championship, which this year will be held in Rugby School, UK in August. 2014
Fixtures
- Ireland v Cheshire – 25th May
- Ireland v Staffordshire – 26th May
- Ireland v Wales – 15th June
- Ireland v Worcestershire – 29th June
- Ireland v Devon – 20th July
- Ireland v Somerset – 27th July
T20 Play-Offs ECB Women's County T20 - 3rd August
ICC European Championships ODI/T20 - 12th-17th August Rugby School, UK
ICC European Women's T20 Championship - Ireland v Netherlands ICC European Women's T20 Championship - Ireland v Scotland
Follow all of their match updates on Twitter @Irishwomenscric