St Johnston U11s travelled to Belfast on Sunday to take on Instonians in the U11 All-Ireland final.
After winning the league and cup in the Northwest this year again (their fourth in a row), the Saints’ hopes were high.
On winning the toss Saints skipper Harry Pearson asked Instonians to bat.
The Belfast side were reeling early on at 9 for 2, due to excellent bowling from Harry and Daniel Gallagher who took a wicket each.
After that the Instonians skipper was joined at the crease by Ireland U15 starlet Amy Hunter and these two batted superbly taking the score to 150 until Kaylee Barnard caught her in front for lbw for 59.
Their skipper ended with an excellent 93 not out.
At half time, needing 197 to win, the Saints were elated in the changing rooms with the surprise of current Irish internationals Gary Wilson and Paul Stirling being present to give a good team talk.
This rallied the mini Saints and despite losing Pratham Goud early, Harry and Sam Macbeth hit the boundary on regular occasions.
With the Saints now back in the game big time, it took an excellent bowling spell from the Irish U15 girl to finally get rid of Harry for a well crafted 39. Wickets fell in regularly after this and only for some big blows from Emma Macbeth “21” at the end saw saints end up 105.
This is a significant achievement for the only cricket club in Donegal and much credit and recognition should be given to their coach David Macbeth and his assistant Don Pearson.
A great game was had and the St Johnston kids really placing the North-West on the cricket map.
It was nice to have Internationals Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson present for the day and present the medals.
