A century stand between Owen McMillan and Callum Lowe, plus a six-wicket haul for Hridhaan Salian were the highlights as the NCU Under 13's won the opening match of their annual four-game Challenge Series at Ring Commons on Monday.

McMillan top scored with a fine 69 that included eight boundaries, rescuing his side from a precarious 29 for three along with Lisburn's Callum Lowe who also hit eight fours as well as a six as the talented duo added 109 for the fourth wicket.

There were runs too for Evan Gawley who made 34 in an NCU total of 209 for 9 in 40 overs - two wickets apiece for Eoin O'Brien and Devan Kordia.

Leinster made a bright start with runs for Leo Russell (32), plus 29 apiece for Aranith Anish and Aadarsh Ganapathy, but the introduction of Hridhaan Salian completely changed the complexion of the contest.

The young Instonians bowler ripped through the Leinster batting to finish with the superb analysis of 6 for 18, while there were also wickets for Daniel Pooler and Ezra De Silva in the 70-run win.

The series continues on Tuesday with the second game at Shaw's Bridge.

U13s Boys’ Challenge Series 
At Ring Commons CC, Co Dublin, Leinster U13s lost to NCU U13s by 70 runs

NCU 209-9 (40 overs; Owen McMillan 69, Callum Lowe 58, Evan Gawley 34; Eoin O’Brien 2-17, Devam Kordia 2-8, Aadarsh Ganapathy 1-18)
Leinster 139 all out (36.1 overs; Leo Russell 32, Arapith Anish 29, Aadarsh Ganapathy 29; Hridhaan Salian 6-18, Daniel Pooler 1-18, Ezra De Silva 1-11)