The Northern Knights started the day at Bready excellently, comprehensively steamrolling the hapless Warriors batsmen. Skipper Andrew White impressed with the new ball, bowling a tight and incisive spell, before the seamers finished the job in the back overs in the form of Eugene Moleon and David Simpson. Only the two spinning all-rounders, Scott Campbell and Andy McBrine, could reach double figures, and the Warriors' third captain of the season Johnny Thompson couldn't repeat his batting heroics. Although they were without Andy Britton, the Warriors boasted a stronger bowling line-up thanks to the addition of Craig Young, who took the new ball with Peter Connell. Young and McBrine, the leggie, both impressed with the ball, but they weren't backed up enough to force an upset.
Craig Young was excellent, but the Warriors' loss left Leinster needing to win.
North West Warriors - 92 ao Scott Campbell - 19 (22) Andy McBrine - 16 (24) Andrew White - 3/17 (4) David Simpson - 2/8 (2) | Northern Knights - 95/5 Jamie Holmes - 22 (18) Nigel Jones - 22* (28) Andy McBrine - 3/12 (4) Craig Young - 2/24 (4) |
Thus, the Leinster Lightning needed to defeat the Knights to claim the Trophy. They batted first, and left-handed Reinhardt Strydom left no doubt about his side's intentions by biffing 35 from just fourteen deliveries against the new ball. He was one of four Leinstermen to pass 30, as well as Pat Collins; Max Sorensen, promoted to number five on the back of his club form and not letting his side down; and Kevin O'Brien, who out-did Strydom by battering an unbeaten 36 from his fourteen balls, including four lusty maximums. With a platform like that, the bowlers simply had to be competent, but they did rather more than that. Max Sorensen was pacy and incisive with the new ball, and the rest of the wickets were shared around amongst Tyrone Kane, who looked pacy, Eddie Richardson, Albert van der Merwe, and the skipper. The total was never under threat, and the Warriors didn't even get half way.
Max Sorensen showed that he's more than just a bowler.
Leinster Lightning - 192/5 Max Sorensen - 38 (27) Kevin O'Brien - 36* (14) Gareth Burns - 2/29 (4) Craig Young - 1/43 (4) | North West Warriors - 86 ao Dean McCarter - 20 (33) David Rankin - 14 (13) Tyrone Kane - 3/17 (4) Max Sorensen - 2/17 (4) |
Leinster Lightning Northern Knights North West Warriors | Won / Tied / Lost 3 / 0 / 1 3 / 0 / 1 0 / 0 / 4 | Points 6 6 0 | Net Run Rate +2.97 - 0.33 - 2.59 |
Sorensen was also named Player of the Tournament.