Cricket Leinster Women made a winning start to their Future Series campaign with a bonus-point 34-run victory over the North West Warriors at Oak Hill.

It was not all plain sailing after skipper Annabel Squires fell first ball and Aisling Lawlor followed without scoring, leaving Leinster wobbling at 9 for 2. Genevieve Morrissey briefly countered with a boundary before she too departed, and when Alice Walsh was bowled for 11, Leinster were 61 for 4.

From there, former Eglinton player Zara Craig took charge against her former colleagues. 

The all-rounder, who now plays for Phoenix produced a composed unbeaten 67 from 57 balls, striking four boundaries and giving the innings much-needed substance. She found excellent support from Ellie McGee, who added a fluent 36 not out from 28 deliveries, including five fours. Their unbroken stand lifted Leinster to a competitive 147 for 5.

Kia McCartney was the pick of the Warriors attack with 2 for 20, while Jennifer Jackson, Millie Spence and Chloe Deans claimed a wicket apiece.

The Warriors reply started steadily through Ella Wasson, who made 21, and Sarah Black, whose 32 kept them in the contest at 61 for 1. However, Leinster tightened their grip through the middle overs. Craig returned to remove Wasson and finished with 1 for 28, while McGee bowled an excellent four-over spell for just 19 runs.

Millie Spence made 22 and Chloe Deans 12, but the required rate climbed sharply. Síbha Bhoja struck twice late on, adding to Aisling Lawlor’s wicket, as the Warriors closed on 113 for 6.

It was a strong all-round Leinster display, with Craig and McGee turning a shaky start into a commanding opening win.

The series continues on Monday with the NCU taking on the Warriors and Leinster, those games again are at Oak Hill.