Merrion Girls teams [U13 and U15] secured success in their respective cup finals this week, both against Clontarf.
First up, in a very tense game, the U13s came from behind to secure victory by the narrowest of margins. Merrion batted first and made 116/7, mainly thanks to an excellent knock from Trudy Molins who batted through the innings for 53 not out. She was well supported by Norah Purdy who made 24.
Clontarf lost an early wicket but then a century partnership put them in control. But with seven runs still needed in the last over some excellent fielding from Merrion saw two run outs and Clontarf ended up one run short on 115/3. The pick of the bowlers [and eight were used in all] was Lainey Harte with three overs 1/8.
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The second game was a more one-sided affair. Merrion U15s batted first and from the start gained ascendency. With Aisling Lawlor leading the way they raced to 55 off six overs. The innings continued in similar fashion with Lawlor reaching her century in the 16th over. With excellent support from Lainey Harte [30*], Lawlor went on to score an unbeaten 135 out of a total of 189 without the loss of a wicket. This may very well be the highest ever partnership in girls cricket.
Clontarf started well and had reached 46 before the first wicket fell to Trudy Molins. Although Clontarf continued to battle they were never up with the required run rate and ended on 113/2, a win for Merrion by 75 runs.
It is now up to the Boys U17 who also are in a cup final, this time against Railway Union.