NCU Women’s Senior League Section 1
Dundrum 92-9 (20 overs)
Waringstown II 91-6 (20 overs)
Dundrum beat Waringstown II by one run DUNDRUM’S women’s team produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the local cricket season as they defeated Waringstown Women’s second XI by a single run in a thrilling Senior League encounter at The Meadow on Monday 20 July.
After winning the toss, Dundrum captain Joscelyn Wright elected to bat first, but the home side endured a nightmare start.
With regular opening partner Niamh Lowry unavailable due to Ireland duty, Charlie Shilliday was promoted to open alongside Wright.
However, Waringstown’s bowlers Norah Adair and Lucia Derby struck early to remove Shilliday (2) and Wright (3), immediately placing Dundrum under pressure.
The visitors maintained tight lines and disciplined bowling throughout the innings, with Dundrum slipping to a precarious 31 for 6 after 10 overs.
At that stage, a competitive total looked unlikely. Jen Shilliday then produced a superb counter-attacking innings to breathe life into the Dundrum effort.
Her aggressive knock of 35 shifted the momentum, while valuable contributions from Ruby Aiken, Lucy Gunson and Addie Shilliday helped push the total to 92 for 9 from their allotted 20 overs.
Although below what the home side would have hoped for, it gave them something to defend.
Dundrum made the perfect start with the ball as Lucy Gunson dismissed Rose Cousins for just 2 to leave Waringstown on 2 for 1.
Sophia Bushe (24) and Anna Megarrell (24) steadied the innings with an excellent 50-run partnership, putting the visitors firmly in control. Refusing to surrender, Dundrum fought back brilliantly.
Ayla Boyd turned the match on its head with an outstanding spell of 3 for 12, claiming three vital wickets to reduce Waringstown to 77 for 5 with three overs remaining.
Gunson then returned to claim her second wicket, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 11 from her four overs, leaving Waringstown requiring 12 runs from the final over.
What followed was a finish worthy of any occasion. Rachel Hodge held her nerve magnificently, conceding just seven runs from the opening five deliveries of the final over.
With six needed to win and five required to tie from the last ball, the batter edged the delivery towards third man.
After a series of desperate misfields, Waringstown managed to scramble four runs, but it was not enough as Dundrum held on for a remarkable one-run victory.
The thrilling contest was a superb advertisement for local women’s cricket, showcasing determination, resilience and excitement until the very last ball.
The victory continues Dundrum’s impressive season, and with such a young and talented squad continuing to develop, the future looks exceptionally bright for the club.
