Uel Graham

The NCU girl's performance u17 squad (sponsored by PWC) made the trip to Foyle College to play their North West counterparts in a number of matches over 6th/7th August. NCU Coaches Staci Maxwell, Becky Hall and Sandi Harrison managed the mini tour.

Due to the persistent rain, a number of the matches experienced some reductions in overs per side. However, the breaks in weather allowed the teams to play three games, testing the squads both physically and mentally. The North West squad will be making the return journey to play the NCU at Campbell College next week on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th August.

Over the course of the two days, the NCU performed well in the field, remaining optimistic and energetic in all three matches. The NCU experienced a 90 run defeat in the first game which was unfortunate, considering the positive bowling and fielding performance, with a number of the girls taking several wickets each.

A positive start, was made by the girls at the beginning of the second day, in the first game. Sophie Hinds and Samantha Todd both making contributions with the bat and Captain, Abbi Leckey and Beth McCrea finished unbeaten. The NCU however, didn't score enough runs and were beaten by 3 wickets in the second game. Samantha Todd finished the game with figures of 4 wickets for 5 runs.

The third and final game saw the North West bat first and, thanks to some very tight bowling from the NCU, they were restricted to 88 runs. Freya Watson (25) and Sam Todd (24) both batted well to make an effort of reaching the North Wests total, sadly the girls were defeated by 12 runs in this game.

Coach Staci Maxwell reflected upon the recent trip to the North West "The fixtures allowed the girls to play in competitive matches outside their home union against a different opposition. It was great for a number of the girls in our 'emerging' squad to be involved. The girls remained determined throughout the three fixtures and we look forward to the return leg next week, where we hope the performances will go from strength to strength".

The squad for the return fixtures at Campbell College:

• Jennifer Hanna (Donacloney Mill)
• Sophie Hinds (Lurgan)
• Abbi Leckey (CSNI)
• Lois Lyttle (Lurgan)
• Emily Mathers (Donacloney Mill)
• Molly Mathers (Donacloney Mill)
• Emma McMurray (Lurgan)
• Sophie Orr (Wallace High School)
• Emma Scott (CSNI)
• Ella Shields (Wallace High School)
• Ellen Sterritt (Instonians)
• Sam Todd (Lurgan)
• Freya Watson (Instonians)