O’Brien and George hold nerve as Leinster edge North West in thriller

Rob O’Brien and Johan George staged a dramatic last-wicket rescue act as Leinster Under-19s edged past the North West by one wicket with just two balls to spare in a gripping contest.

Chasing 222, Leinster looked in deep trouble when last man George joined skipper O’Brien with 37 still required. The North West, who had battled back superbly after a tough run of heavy defeats earlier in the week, sensed a morale-boosting win. Instead, O’Brien stayed ice-cool and George produced a priceless unbeaten 20 to seal a thrilling victory at 227 for nine in 49.4 overs.

The chase had started shakily as Sidharth Biju and Sebastian Dijkstra both went cheaply, leaving Leinster under early pressure. Railway Union opener Bruce Whaley then counter-attacked in style, striking 62 from 51 balls with 11 fours. He added a vital half-century third-wicket stand with clubmate and international colleague O’Brien to drag Leinster back into the contest.

When Whaley fell caught and bowled by Luke Marillier, O’Brien became the glue that held the innings together. Wickets began to tumble around him as Yuvraj Shah made 16, Abdullah Nawabzai added 17, and the lower order struggled to stay with him. At 190 for nine, the North West appeared to have the game in their grasp.

But O’Brien, unbeaten on 79 with six fours and a six, found the perfect partner in George. Their unbroken final-wicket stand broke North West hearts and completed a superb Leinster recovery.

Earlier, the North West had posted a competitive 221 for eight from their 50 overs. James Smallwoods and Marillier were central to the innings, adding 92 in 19 overs for the second wicket. Smallwoods made a patient 48 from 73 balls before being bowled by George, while young Donemana all-rounder Marillier struck 55 from 70 balls, including five fours and the only six of the innings.

Skipper Sam Haslett then added important late substance with 43 from 53 balls, hitting four boundaries, while the North West were also helped by 38 extras.

John Devane was the pick of the Leinster attack with two for 34, while Dijkstra, George, Whaley and O’Brien all claimed one wicket apiece.

Marillier almost completed a memorable all-round display, taking three for 30 in Leinster’s reply, but O’Brien and George had the final word in a genuine Under-19 classic.