Strabane Academy completed a memorable week for North West cricket as they swept aside Lisneal College by nine wickets in the Under-15 Schools Cup Final at Beechgrove.

Having been asked to bat first, Lisneal found themselves under early pressure as Ben Heywood and Roy McGerrigle struck to reduce them to 22 for 2. However, a fine recovery came through a third-wicket partnership of 73 between Ella Wasson and Lewis Pearson.

Wasson made a composed 26 before left-arm spinner Alfie Moan broke the stand, while Pearson carried his bat for an unbeaten 60, an excellent innings featuring seven fours and two sixes, as Lisneal closed on 117 for 3 from their 25 overs.

Any hopes of defending that total were quickly dashed by Strabane’s outstanding opening pair. Just days after guiding Donemana to North West Under-15 Cup success, Ollie Britton and Alfie Moan produced another match-winning stand.

The pair shared 114 for the first wicket to put the result beyond doubt. Britton led the charge with an unbeaten 59, striking eight fours and a six, while Moan contributed an assured 42 that included five boundaries.

Ben Hamilton claimed a consolation wicket late on, but Strabane comfortably reached their target in the 20th over.

The victory completed another successful chapter for North West schools cricket, following two Ulster trophy triumphs on Monday.

UNDER 15 SCHOOLS CUP FINAL
At Beechgrove, Strabane Acadmey beat Lisneal Collge by 9 wickets.
Lisneal 117-3 (25 overs; Lewis Pearson 60*, Ella Wasson 26)
Strabane Academy 118-1 (19.2 overs; Ollie Britton 59*, Alfie Moan 42)