North West Warriors beat Leinster Lightning for the first time in the Interprovincial Cup to cause an opening day shock in this year’s tournament. It was, admittedly against an under-strength Lightning side – Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard could not play and Harry Tector had a 'niggle' – but Warriors took full advantage, none more so than openers Gavin Roulston and Jake Egan. 

In the absence of Andrew Balbirnie, who injured a shoulder when fielding and could not bat, they put on 117 at almost a run-a-ball to set up the successful chase. Their revised DLS target was 215 in 37 overs and Ben Calitz hit the winning boundary with seven balls to spare, the margin a convincing six wickets. Both openers hit career best List A scores, Roulston named man of the match for his run-a-ball 64. 

But all the Warriors batters topped 20 with the pacemen Byron McDonagh and Mark Tonge, last minute call-ups for the two internationals, and Fionn Hand conceding 144 in their 20 overs. In contrast the experienced Gavin Hoey and George Dockrell had combined figures of three for 67 in their 16 overs. 

Lorcan Tucker, fresh from leading Ireland to their first series win against India, again led from the front for Lightning with an unbeaten 74 from 47 balls (eight fours, three sixes) but only Jeremy Martins and Tim Tector gave him support. Andy McBrine was the stand-out Warriors bowler with one for 23 from his eight overs while Craig Young was the most successful with two for 31.