A tight finish with an excellent all round performance saw Merrion Women 1st XI start their league season with an eight wicket win over a strong Phoenix team at Anglesea Road last night.
Fielding first Merrion contained Phoenix to 131/3 off their 20 overs. There was a wicket each for Shibha Bhoja and Maddy Blazely but equally important was the economy rate of 6 or less from the rest of the attack. Indeed if the total of 17 wides had been reduced a little the scorecard would have had an even better look.
When Merrion came out to bat the line-up had a much changed feel to it with the international contingent unavailable. Undaunted, and despite an early run out, Merrion set about the chase led by an undefeated half-century from Annabelle Squires [55*] at better than a run a ball. With a previous half century in the league against the same opponents, Squires has clearly taken a liking to the Phoenix bowling attack.
Important contributions from captain Celeste Raack [26] and Aoife Brennen [12*] helped bring the match home in the last over with two balls remaining. With 33 wides and 5 no balls it has to be said that Phoenix contributed to their own defeat.
A close finish and an important win to start the 2024 campaign.