NCU made a commanding start to the U19 Men’s Interpro 50-over series as they swept aside the North West by 177 runs at Beechgrove.

Seb Yeates top-scored with 58

A disciplined, all-round display saw the visitors post 239 for 8 before their attack dismantled the home reply for just 62 in 19.5 overs.

The foundations were laid by openers James West and Seb Yeates, who added 78 in brisk fashion. West set the tone with an aggressive 42 from just 32 balls, striking four fours and three sixes, while Yeates gave the innings substance with a well-made 58 that included seven boundaries.

There was no runaway finish, but NCU kept finding key contributions. Skipper Adam Leckey chipped in with 24, Marko Bates added 25, and Elijah Harte supplied the late lift with an unbeaten 47 from 42 balls, clearing the ropes twice as NCU pushed beyond 230.

The North West bowlers had their moments, with Lewis Campbell claiming 3 for 31, Luke Marillier 3 for 58 and Swarnim Jha 2 for 52, but the target always looked a stiff one.

What followed was a batting collapse to forget. James Smallwoods, on his home ground, offered brief resistance with 22, but he was the only player to make any impression as wickets fell in clusters.

Leckey completed a fine personal match with 3 for 26, while Evan Carlisle took 2 for 15 and West capped his day with 2 for 5.

The North West will hope for far better fortunes later in the series.

Summary Score
At Beechgrove, NCU U19 beat NW U19 by 177 runs. 
NCU U19's 239-8 (50 overs; S Yeates 58, E Harte 47, J West 42, M Bates 25, A Leckey 24; L Campbell 3-31, L Marillier 3-58, S Jha 2-52). 
NW U19's 62 (19.5 overs; J Smallwoods 22; A Leckey 3-26, E Carlisle 2-15, J West 2-5).