Ireland Inter-Provincial Cup 2022 | Leinster start title defence with victory over Warriors

As the Inter-Provincial Cup opened with a clash between Leinster Lightning and North West Warriors, the former, who are also the defending champions, thumped the latter by seven wickets at Pembroke Cricket Club.

Asked to bat first, the Warriors were off to a cautious but promising start, with William Porterfield and Stephen Doheny slowly getting in their groove. As the innings demanded acceleration, Doheny had to push hard for quick runs, but a failed attempt led to George Dockrell taking his wicket.

While Porterfield was busy stabilising the innings, he received no support from the other end as the batters fell like ninepins. With Dockrell playing a significant role in blowing the Warriors' batting lineup, he was well aided by Simi Singh and Harry Tector, who chipped in with crucial wickets as well.

After Porterfield's dismissal in the 32nd over at the hands of Dockrell, the North West Warriors relied on the lower-order batters to do a rescue act. While Jared Wilson and Ryan Macbeth's effort ultimately went in vain, it then ignited a glimmer of hope as the tailender duo pushed the Warriors to a total of 185 runs.

Although it was not an uphill task, the Lightning needed a decent opening stand to maintain their firm grip over the game. However, Simi Singh fell at the individual score of five, but Tim Tector showed a masterclass in defence to not let the wickets tumble. 

Then, Tim joined hands with his younger brother Harry to help the Lightning breeze past the finishing line. With Tim continuing his ultra-defensive mode, Harry donned the aggressor's role and scored match-winning 76 runs off 88 deliveries.

After Tim departed for 47 runs, Dockrell and Harry did not let the innings go through further hiccups, helping Leinster Lightning win the match in the 44th over by seven wickets.

George Dockrell was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-around performance.

Brief scores:

North West Warriors - 185/10 (49.5)

William Porterfield 44 (93), Ryan Macbeth 29* (31);

George Dockrell 5-24 (10)

Leinster Lightning - 186/3 (43.5)

Harry Tector 76* (88), Tim Tector 47 (104);

Graham Hume 2-20 (10)

Leinster Lightning won by seven wickets.