Waringstown won the Gallagher Women’s Challenge Cup for the second time in their history after a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Holywood at Wallace Park.
Rachel Harrison struck two early blows for the mid-Ulster side, removing openers Eva Cupitt and Karabo Meso in her first two overs.
The wicket of Meso, a South African international, was the prize scalp as the teenager had been instrumental in her side reaching the Final, scoring a century in the Quarter-Finals against North Down and unbeaten 71 in the Semi-Final success over Muckamore.
Waringstown captain Sophie Hinds speaks following her side’s Cup victory over Holywood at Wallace Park
Irish international Lara Maritz and Erin Bond (20) set about aiming to repair the damage, recording a third wicket partnership of 35 to leave the contest evenly balanced at 43 for two in the eighth over.
Charlotte Lyons’ dismissal of Maritz – who hit four of Holywood’s six boundaries – in a top score of 24 sparked a collapse that saw four wickets tumble for just one run. Lyons and Player of the Match Naomi Matthews (three for 15) ripped through the middle order to leave Holywood’s innings in tatters.
Irish international leg-spinner Cara Murray then wrapped up proceedings, taking two wickets as Holywood were bowled out for a modest total of 70.
The Waringstown chase started nervously as skipper Sophie Hinds and Murray fell in successive deliveries to Bond, and at two for two, the target seemed very far away.
Waringstown’s Amy Caulfield takes a second wicket during the Gallagher Women’s Challenge Cup Final
However, the experienced duo of Amy Caulfield and Lyons, who was captain in their 2020 success, weathered the initial storm before starting to play a few shots. The pair shared an unbroken third wicket stand of 70 as the win was sealed in the 11th over.
“Rachel got us off to a fantastic start with those early wickets, including Karabo Meso, the one we really wanted, and that helped settle us down,” said winning captain Hinds.
“We went a wee bit quiet at points during their third wicket stand, but Charlotte Lyons got Lara Maritz, the other wicket we were really targeting, and we never lost control after that.
“It was great to have Charlotte, Naomi Matthews and Cara Murray with all their experience around in the field, and they helped to set the high standards.
Charlotte Lyons of Waringstown takes a wicket during the Gallagher Women’s Challenge Cup Final against Holywood
“There were a few Cup Final nerves around in the chase as we haven’t won the Cup too many times, but we knew that Lisburn is a good place to bat, and we have quality, depth and experience in our line-up.
“We are very grateful that Amy Caulfield has come on board this year, and she has been great with the girls.
“Charlotte has been at the club a long time, and I never had any doubt that those two couldn’t finish the job off.
“It’s a massive honour for me to win the Cup in my first year as captain along with a group of girls that I have been friends with for such a long time.
“I’d also like to pay thanks to our coaching team of Graham Hunter, who has been joined this year by Alan and Michael Waite – they have all been superb.”
Naomi Matthews celebrates with the Player of the Match award following Waringstown’s win over Holywood
GALLAGHER’S NCU WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP FINAL
At Wallace Park, Waringstown beat Holywood by eight wickets
Holywood 70 (16.2 overs; Lara Maritz 24, Erin Bond 20; Naomi Matthews 3-15, Charlotte Lyons 2-11, Cara Murray 2-11, Rachel Harrison 2-14)
Waringstown 72/2 (10.5 overs; Charlotte Lyons 22*, Amy Caulfield 21*; Erin Bond 2-16)