Waringstown won the NCU 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 win over Muckamore.

Irish international Lara Maritz and Erin Bond (20) set about repairing the damage with a third wicket partnership of 35 to leave the contest evenly balanced at 43 for 2 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 the Belfast side’s innings in tatters.

Winners Waringstown

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 Cara Murray fell in successive deliveries to Erin Bond, and at two for two, the target seemed very far away.

However, the experienced duo of Amy Caulfield and Charlotte 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.

Player-of-the-Match Naomi Matthews

“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 Sophie 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.

Happy duo Rachel Harrison and Megan Megarrell

“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.

Waringstown captain Sophie Hinds with the trophy

“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.”

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)

Player-of-the-Match: Naomi Matthews