Leckey and Hunter inspire CSNI triumph at Rathmines

CSNI continued to fly the flag for the NCU with an impressive seven-wicket victory over two-time winners Leinster at Rathmines.

Former Ireland Under-19 international Adam Leckey was the hero with the ball, producing an excellent spell of five for 37 as the hosts were dismissed for 241 in thw 46th over.

Leinster recovered from 89 for three through Irish international Gareth Delany’s 48, while Saqib Bahadur gave the innings late substance with an unbeaten 66 from 65 balls. 

However, Leckey repeatedly struck at crucial moments, removing Mark Tonge, Younas Ahmadzai, Thomas O’Connor, Delany and captain Bilal Azhar.

CSNI’s chase began steadily before Marc Ellison and James West fell with the score on 67.

Ryan Hunter and Ashwin Hebbar then took complete control, sharing a decisive third-wicket partnership of 140.

Hunter produced a composed unbeaten 89 from 86 balls, striking 13 fours and two sixes, while Indian overseas professional Hebbar made a fluent 69 from 66 deliveries with 11 boundaries.

Their stand broke the back of the chase before Hebbar fell with only 35 runs required.

Jordan Neill, continuing his comeback from injury, ensured there would be no late drama, finishing unbeaten on eight alongside Hunter as CSNI reached their target in the 39th over.

The emphatic away victory keeps CSNI’s Irish Senior Cup ambitions alive and represents a notable success for NCU cricket against one of Leinster’s traditional heavyweights.