There were scenes of jubilation at the Mardyke yesterday as a Ruadhan Jones inspired Munster pulled off an historic over the North West win to put them in with a chance of claiming victory in the Under 13 Interrovincial tournament in Cork.
In what was Munster’s first win in the tournament since 1997, the home side posted a massive 236 runs in the first innings; this was the highest score ever by a team representing the MCU at either under 13 or under 15 level.
Munster captain, Ruadhan Jones, led his team from the front by scoring an elegant 139 not out off just 115 balls and in the process broke the record for the highest score by an underage batsman representing the province. On Mondays match against LCU, Jones became the first under 13 player to carry his bat, and yesterday he repeated that feat.
Ruadhan Jones who scored 139* in Munster's win over the North West. Pic: David Gash
His innings included 20 fours, but shot of the match, and possibly the tournament, was his solitary six; Jones moved outside his off-stump and got down on one knee to guide the ball over deep backward square to set the watching home crowd alight.
Jones was given good support at the top of the innings by his Cork Harlequins team-mate Rory O’Keeffe, and together the pair put on 60 for the first wicket. Munster number nine, Ian Coleman also batted well for his 16 not out as he helped his captain to his century with a stand of 62.
For the North West, William McBrine again put in a good display with the ball as he took 4 for 23, while leggie Seresh Rao took 1-30.
In reply, Monday’s hero Gary McClintock again got off to a flyer, however, the opening bat tried one big shot too many and hit straight to mid-wicket for 34, while Aaron Gillespie (35) also failed to capitalise on a good start as the North West lost wickets with regularity.
In the closing overs there were some anxious moments for both sets of supporters as the required runs began to drop and the wickets continued to fall, but Munster held their nerve to take the match by 34 runs in the 36th over to spark a pitch invasion as the huge watching crowd got to their feet in appreciation of the advance Munster cricket has made.
Areeb Mian was in inspired form with the ball for Munster and his accurate line made him difficult to get away; he finished with figures of 4-36, both Jones and John Kelly also chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Meanwhile, at Cork Harlequins ground at Farmers Cross, the weather was the eventual winner as only 7 overs were possible before the heavens opened and the rain set in for the day.
When the players came off, LCU were 23-1 with the Delaney brothers, Garreth and Andrew, on 12 and 8 respectively; James Mitchell was responsible for the solitary wicket.
So as we head into the final day of the competition, its anyones to take as Munster, North West and Leinster are all in with a chance of claiming the trophy.
© 2010 Munster Cricket Blog
July 7th, 2010 → 9:08 am @ admin
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