Strabane clinch title and immediate top-flight return

Strabane Women sealed the Division Two title in emphatic fashion with a maximum-point victory over Maghera, edging Tyrone rivals Donemana to the trophy and securing an immediate return to the Premiership following their relegation in 2025.

Donemana had already collected maximum points after being awarded a walkover against Newbuildings, leaving Strabane little margin for error to be guaranteed of top spot. They responded to the pressure superbly, piling up 150 for five from their 16 overs before dismissing Maghera for just 26.

Hazel Britton was the cornerstone of the Strabane innings, striking ten fours in a fluent 48 from 34 balls. Captain ChloeDeans added 23 from 29 deliveries, while wicketkeeper Kylie McGarrigle gave the innings early momentum with 19 from 18 balls.

Abaigh Gillespie chipped in with 10, while Megan Moorehead finished unbeaten on six. 

Maghera’s bowlers were hindered by 43 extras, including 23 wides and 18 no-balls, although Sarah Marshall battled gamely to claim four for 40. Lyndsey Currie took the other wicket.

Maghera’s reply quickly unravelled as Strabane’s bowlers produced a ruthless display. Moorehead removed captain Alana Menary for a first-ball duck before Abaigh Gillespie tore through the top order, dismissing Cara Suiter, Zoe Crooks and Hannah Watterson on her way to excellent figures of three for five.

Deans then tightened Strabane’s grip with a remarkable spell of three for two, accounting for Sarah Marshall, Shani Marshall and Currie. Nicola Mullen conceded just one run from two overs, while Aimee le Finlay and Aimee Gillespie claimed the final wickets, courtesy of excellent catches by Deans.

Maghera were bowled out in 12.2 overs without a single boundary, giving Strabane a crushing 124-run victory, and with it the crown.

The result completed a superb campaign for Ryan Gallagher's side and confirmed Strabane’s return to the top flight at the first attempt, with the title secured by the narrowest of margins over rivals Donemana, who had the consolation of winning the cup.