Written by Catherine Goodman | 17 August 2007
Posted in Ladies News

LCC 141-3, Pembroke 95. Leinster won by 45 runs

The day, 17 August 2007, started like most match days in 2007 with odds on for another rain affected fixture. By mid afternoon the game hadn't been cancelled so we arrived to YMCA in good time. With all 12 in our burgundy LCC hoodies and Rob O'Connor in control we set about looking like a professional outfit.

Pitch inspection with the groundsman (Wayne) revealed a pretty damp wicket and with conditions misty and wet, we took on board his suggestion to use the mat to have a decent game. Umpires beckoned for the toss and Pembroke put us in to bat....Result...

After our 2006 cup final experience where we were short on runs we felt a score of 140 / 150 was needed. On recent form this was realistic. Laura and Amanda opened and both batted well demonstrating experience beyond their years. In the 18th over Laura's enthusiasm ended in Amanda getting run out for 37, but the opening pair had done their job and produced a superb partnership of 94 for the fall of the first wicket.

Valmai came to the crease and looked solid , however Laura (44), perhaps dwelling on the recent run out was bowled by Ryan's first ball with only another 3 being added to the score. Meanwhile sheltering from the drizzle, Catherine paced anxiously chatting to spectators, and the team huddled.

Hannah DeBurgh Whyte took control when Valmai (11) also fell, bowled to Ryan and made a credible 20 off 17 balls. Colette showed her experience and facilitated Hannah, ending with 8 and a 100% strike rate. The total after 25 overs was 141 for 3, right on the money. Ryan was the pick of the Pembroke bowlers with 2-15 off 3 while Louise McCarthy (0-15-7) and Kim Garth (0-16-5) always threatened but finished wicketless.

After our customary intake of Haribos we took to the field and determined to defend our total. Natasha and Laura opened the bowling and Pembroke had only 10 runs after 4 overs. After 8 overs though the score had climbed to 28 with no wickets taken and a change of bowling was called for. A bit of spin from Alice, and line and length from Catherine finally brought a breakthrough. McCarthy having been dropped on 10 off Catherine's 2nd ball, was first to fall, caught at mid on by Julie for 19, bowled Alice.

Another wicket, Gallagher stumped Valmai, in Alice's next over had Pembroke 42-2 in the 13th over. McGrath settled in and having put on 13 was bowled by Catherine. The next 2 wickets fell to Catherine also, McGowan(13) LBW and Ryan(1) Bowled. Pembroke were 78-5 off 18 overs and needed to accelerate. What followed was a collapse, as we took 4 more wickets for a mere 8 runs; Alice had taken another wicket, Hildebrand (25) caught by Hannah De Burgh and on the next ball Hannah DeBurgh executed a brilliant run out of Denny for 0.

In the 20th over Catherine took Cromer, caught Julie and 1 over later Natasha opened her tally, taking the 9th wicket, Fox, Caught Colette. Garth and Sheehan then batted valiantly for the last 4 overs putting on 14 runs when play ended. The score finished on 96 for 9 after 25 overs.

In the end, thanks to a great batting performance and an excellent team performance in the field we had a convincing victory, winning the cup by 45 runs. The woman of the match was Catherine for her 4-25 off 7 overs, bringing her tally of WOM awards in cup finals to 3.

We retired to Leinster after tea and ceremonies and the celebrations started in earnest. In customary style the cup was filled and passed around to the team. We had our fill and onlookers noted after some time that we were surprisingly still standing. Our secret...not hollow legs but a cup filled with lucozade sport...

Batting: Laura Delany (44), Amanda Walker (37), Valmai Gee (11), Hannah DeBurgh White (20), Colette Branigan (8)

Bowling: Natasha Smith (1-25-7), Laura Delany(0-14-5), Alice Hearnden(3-31-6), Catherine Goodman(4-25-7)

Team: Colette Branigan, Hannah Clarke, Julie Curran, Hannah DeBurgh White, Laura Delany, Valmai Gee, CatherineGoodman (c), Alice Hearnden, Cliona Rogan, Natasha Smith, Amanda Walker, Eve Kearney(12th)