FOX LODGE WIN WOMEN’S T20 CUP

Fox Lodge beat arch rivals Bready to collect the first silverware of the season in front of a decent crowd at The Rectory. Chasing 130, Bready openers Millie Spence (45) and Cody Wallace (34) gave their side the perfect platform with a stand of 90.

However, scoreboard pressure proved decisive as the required rate increased, and the absence of a few key players showed as they couldn't find the boundaries in the final overs. There were two wickets each for Sarah Black (2-16), Mollie Devine (2-18) and Lucy Neely (2-22), as Bready finished on 111-6, losing by 18 runs.

Earlier, Fox Lodge's top-order all did well as they made 129 for 5 - Mollie Devine top scoring with 36, while there were runs too for Sarah Black (31) and Hannah McLaughlin (28). Mansi Bhavsar (2-19) was the pick of the Bready attack.

“A massive thanks to Bready and the supporters for creating such an amazing atmosphere,” skipper Kara Bates said after the win.

“We are all really looking forward to the season starting next week, with Tanisha Hussain being a great addition to the team.

“I’m thrilled to have a strong squad for the season and see where it will take us.”