Lara Maritz delivered the sort of innings that makes selectors sit up and take notice as Balbriggan Women powered into the Leinster Senior Cup final with a crushing nine-wicket win over Pembroke.

Chasing 174, Maritz turned what might have been a testing pursuit into a procession, blasting an unbeaten 123 from just 69 balls in a stunning display of clean hitting and controlled aggression. Her innings contained 13 fours and seven sixes, and carried Balbriggan home with 17 balls to spare.

It was a knock of real authority from the 25-year-old, who won the last of her 43 Ireland caps in 2021 but has clearly matured and developed since then. Watching on, or even just reading the scorecard, Ireland head coach Lloyd Tennant could be forgiven for wondering how useful that kind of firepower might be in a national side that looked sadly short of it during the recent T20 World Cup.

Maritz dominated from the outset, taking command of an opening stand of 138 in just 14 overs with Courtney Gounden, who made 29. By the time Gounden was dismissed, the hard work had been done. Julia Hoal then helped add an unbroken 36 as Balbriggan sealed one of the most memorable wins in the young history of their women’s section.

For Maritz, the occasion was about more than personal milestones.

“Yesterday was a very special night for the club,” she said. “Considering our women’s team was only established around four years ago, reaching the Senior Cup final is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for everyone involved.”

Balbriggan’s rise has been rapid, and Maritz was quick to highlight the role played by the club’s facilities, particularly their indoor training centre.

“It really highlights the impact our indoor training facility has had on the growth of our women’s section,” she said. “Being able to train consistently throughout the year has allowed us to develop as players and as a team.

“A huge thank you goes to Balbriggan for making this facility possible. Because of this support, we’ve been able to train all year-round, work on our skills, and continue raising our standards.”

On a personal level, Maritz admitted it was a career-best performance.

“Yesterday was probably the best innings I’ve ever played,” she said. “To do it on our home ground against a strong Pembroke side made it even more special.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to train regularly in the indoor facility, as it’s helped me develop my game and given our team the platform to improve together.”

There was pride too in the wider progress of the squad.

“It’s been amazing to see how this group of girls has grown,” added Maritz. “They’ve stepped up, backed themselves, and played with freedom and confidence throughout the Premier League.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and this feels like just the beginning for our women’s section.”

On this evidence, it may also feel like another beginning for Maritz herself. 

Balbriggan have a final to look forward to against holders Merrion, but Irish cricket may have been handed an even bigger reminder.