The Under 13 Festival got underway in the North West with the host's A-team just losing out by 13 runs against tournament favourites NCU.

The visitors made a strong start to reach 80 for 2 with runs for Owen McMillan (40) and Callum Lowe (36).

The NW came back strongly with three wickets for Harry Coyle and Tyler Faulkner, and two for Ben Pollock as NCU were bowled out for 134.

The NW innings followed a similar pattern as Eglinton's Harry Coyle (38) and Zac Loughlin (20) got them into a strong position with a half century stand.

Freddie Robinson (3-15) and Callum Lowe (2-8) proved the NCU match winners in a tense chase, while three run outs didn't help the NW side who battled well throughout. 

In the other game, Leinster proved too strong for the North West's B side with a seven wicket win.

Stephen O'Leary (3-9), Vibhav Aravind (3-6), and Aditya Sreenivas (2-18) all did well as they restricted the hosts to 94.

Mithil Balamurugan (24*) and Stephen O' Leary (21*), shared a half century stand to ensure a comfortable win, while there were runs too for Devam Koradia (20).

In Tuesday's games the B team face the NCU, while Leinster take on the NW first string.