It has been an excellent couple of weeks for the Women’s 1st XI. First came the dramatic climax to the league season when Merrion reversed a one point deficit going into the last round of matches and ended up one point to the good ahead of Pembroke. And then on Sunday, backed by a large travelling contingent, the team achieved the treble by winning the All-Ireland Cup against a very competitive Waringstown side.
The game was played in Stormont and a strong wind across the ground made for difficult playing conditions. Merrion lost the toss and were asked to take the field. Captain Naimh MacNulty made a break-through in the first over but then some strong hitting in the power-play saw Waringstown reach 51/1 off their first six overs. Some semblance of control was achieved with the introduction of spin with Julieane Morrissey [19/0 off 4] and Ashling Lawlor [20/1 off 3] the pick of the bowlers. But when the innings closed at 145/4, including a run out on the last ball, Waringstown had reason to be pleased with their efforts.
When it came their turn to bat, Merrion also lost an early wicket when Annabel Squires was bowled in the second over. Despite some scares Merrion gradually began to wrest back control of the game. An important innings from Bella Armstrong [35] laid the groundwork but when she departed with the score on 73 in the 10thover there was still plenty to do. The key partnership between Rebecca Stokell and Leah Paul built steadily keeping up with the run rate and then accelerated as the finishing line came into sight. The win was finally achieved in the 18th over.
The main contribution came from Shortall [74*] who gradually came to dominate the bowling with a series of powerful lofted drives. On this occasion Paul [27*] was happy to play the supporting role.
Over all it was a worthy victory. Merrion were guilty of being over generous in the field and missed a lot of chances. On another day this might have cost them the game but the batters saw them home.
The Merrion team on the day was Naimh MacNulty [C], Bella Armstrong, Annabel Squires, Leah Paulk, Shiva Bhoja, Julianne Morrissey, Ally Boucher [Wk], Isobel Joyce, Isabel Light, Aisling Lawlor. 12th Ashwi Manoj.