NCU Women Under-19s held their nerve to edge Leinster Under-19s by three runs on DLS in a rain-affected T20 contest at Campbell College.

Put in to bat, the hosts made a poor start when Rebecca Lowe was dismissed without scoring, but captain Georgia Wilson helped settle the innings with a composed 16. Erin Bond then provided the backbone of the NCU effort, top-scoring with 30 as she shared a vital 53-run partnership with Lucy Andrews.

Andrews played a key hand, finishing unbeaten on 23 as 20 extras helped NCU post 96 for five from their 20 overs. Darcey Dalwood, Sinead Thomson, Aoife Hayden, Erin Knight and Aisling Lawlor all claimed a wicket apiece.

Leinster’s reply got off to the worst possible start when skipper Lawlor fell for nought to Anna Ellerby. Izzy McClean made 11 and Genevieve Morrissey seven, but regular wickets kept NCU in control. Penny Speer and Vanessa Minford each took two wickets, while Ellerby returned two for 11.

Dalwood’s brisk 20-ball 27, including two fours and two sixes, kept Leinster alive, with Thomson unbeaten on 13, but the visitors finished just short as NCU made it three wins from three to stay top of the table.

The teams are back in action on Saturday.