A valiant effort in securing a 2nd place finish for the NCU Women in the inaugural Future Series

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Michael Martin

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The 3-match series took place this week in the North West and was hugely successful in doing what it was intended to do, bridge the gap between Women's Youth and Senior cricket.

The first game on Monday didn't go as planned for the NCU with a heavy 224-run defeat at the hands of a strong Leinster team.

This defeat could've been the start of a tough week, but the NCU regrouped and worked hard in the remaining 2 fixtures to fight back and win 2/2 against Leinster U17s and the North West.

Tuesday's game against Leinster U17 showcased this desire to fight back as the NCU won comfortably by 5 wickets. In the Leinster U17 innings, Waringstown's Jennifer Hanna was the pick of the bowlers with incredible figures of 5-9 off 5 overs.

In the chase, Abbi Harrison led the way with a brilliant 45, ably supported by Charlotte Lyons (38*) and Jemma Gillan (29). A great win with hopes now high going into the last game on Wednesday.

The series finale against the North West was the closest and most entertaining of the series, with the NCU winning by just 4 runs. A first innings total of 172 proved to be enough for the NCU, with excellent contributions from Abbi Harrison (45) and Jemma Gillan (47) showcasing the batting talent of these young cricketers.

An excellent all-round performance from CSNI's Jemma Gillan as she took 3-26 with the ball and a wicket apiece for Jess Mayes, Jen Hanna and Abbi Harrison was enough to defend their first innings total.

A 2nd place finish for the NCU and plenty to take away from the series in preparation for next season.