Little powers Pembroke to emphatic victory

Louise Little produced a blistering unbeaten 84 as Pembroke Women swept aside Merrion by 10 wickets in a one-sided Premier League contest.

Merrion posted 116 for six from their 20 overs after Bella Armstrong gave the innings an explosive start. Armstrong struck eight fours in a rapid 33 from only 19 balls before being dismissed by Anna Beale.

Annabel Squires added 24 from 28 deliveries, while Leah Paul made 11 and Rachel Delaney contributed 12. Aoife Brennan held the latter stages together with an unbeaten 13, with Sophie Stewart finishing seven not out.

Marama Downes was the pick of the Pembroke attack, claiming two for 17 from four overs. Beale, Kimli McDonald and Mhairi Nicoll each collected one wicket, while Merrion also suffered a run-out.

Pembroke made light work of the target as Little and Isobel Jennings launched a relentless assault on the bowling.

Little struck 13 fours and two sixes during her stunning 35-ball innings, scoring at a strike rate of 240. Jennings provided excellent support with an unbeaten 34 from 21 balls, including three fours and a six.

The opening pair raced to the win before the halfway stage, completing an emphatic victory with 65 balls to spare.