George Dockrell ensured Leinster Lightning got their defence of the interprovincial T20 Trophy off to a winning start with a 20-run win over the North West Warriors in a rain-reduced 16 overs contest at Bready.

Batting first, the Dubliners looked in trouble as two wickets from debutant Liam McCarthy, plus one apiece from Ryan Macbeth and Craig Young reduced them to 45 for four.

However, the champions have quality in depth, with no fewer than seven senior internationals in their ranks and the experience and nous of George Dockrell and Harry Tector completely transformed the game.

Dockrell went on the offensive, launching a series of trademark lofted drives out into the Tyrone countryside on his way to a 16-ball half century. He was eventually dismissed for 57 (three fours, six sixes) – brilliantly caught in front of the pavilion by Craig Young, taking the ball above his head before realizing he was falling over the rope, released it, and caught it after re-entering the field of play.

The fifth wicket stand with Harry Tector (34) was worth 72 in just 28 balls and laid the perfect platform for the middle order to keep swinging.

Fionn Hand (25 not out) ensured Leinster batted out the overs, finishing on 179 for nine.

To their credit the hosts kept pace in the chase despite the second ball loss of Andy Balbirnie.

Brigade’s Gavin Roulston played a gem of an innings that showed just how highly rated he is in Irish circles. The 19-year-old played shots all around the ground on his way to 57 off 31 balls, hitting five sixes and fours.

Indeed, with rain threatening he had the Warriors just ahead on DLS. However, his dismissal saw the chase peter out, with Leinster left-armer Jai Moondra taking three wickets and Dockrell two to seal the win.

The action continues at Bready on Wednesday with the Northern Knights playing Leinster in the morning game and the North West in the afternoon.