Ireland Under-19 Women beaten by Namibia in series opener

IRELAND Under-19 Women suffered a 50-run defeat against Namibia's senior women's side in the opening match of their series, with the hosts producing a convincing all-round performance.

The Capricorn Eagles A posted 140 for three from their 19 overs before restricting the Irish youngsters to 95 for six, leaving them well short of a revised Duckworth-Lewis target of 146.

Namibian captain Sunè Wittmann and Mekelaye Mwatile provided the backbone of the hosts' innings, sharing an excellent second-wicket partnership of 91 after the early departure of Mezerly Gorases for three.

Wittmann struck a fluent 44 before falling to Genevieve Morrissey, while Mwatile went on to complete a fine half-century, top-scoring with 51 before Sophie Bellew ended her innings. Edelle Van Zyl chipped in with an unbeaten 17 as Namibia finished strongly.

Ireland's bowlers enjoyed some success, with Anna Ellerby claiming one for 17, Bellew one for 22 and Morrissey returning particularly economical figures of one for nine from two overs.

However, the Irish reply got off to a disastrous start as wickets tumbled regularly. Openers Charlotte Webber (13) and Isabelle McLean (2) fell cheaply, while skipper Alice Tector made 16 before becoming one of three victims for Victoria Hamunyela.

Rebecca Lowe managed just one as Ireland slumped to 35 for four, leaving them facing an uphill battle. Niamh Lowry and Morrissey attempted to repair the damage with a fifth-wicket partnership of 46. Lowry made 22, while Morrissey top-scored with a determined 36, but the target remained well beyond reach.

Hamunyela was the pick of the Namibian attack, claiming three for 16, with Eveleen Kejarukua returning impressive figures of one for 13.

Ireland will be hoping for a much-improved batting display when the sides meet again tomorrow.

Summary Score: Capricorn Eagles A 140/3 (19 overs; M Mwatile 51, S Wittmann 44, G Morrissey 1-9) beat Ireland U19 Women 95/6 (19 overs; G Morrissey 36, N Lowry 22, V Hamunyela 3-16) by 50 runs (D/L method).