Annabel Squires produced a record-breaking century before Aisling Lawlor claimed five wickets as Leinster Women defeated the NCU by 128 runs.

Annabel Squires: Pic by Cricket Leinster

Squires struck a magnificent 148 from 107 deliveries, the highest score by a Leinster woman in representative cricket. Her commanding innings included 21 fours and provided the foundation for an imposing total of 287 for eight from 40 overs.

She shared important partnerships with Prendergast, who made 14, and Aisling Lawlor, whose 28 helped take the score to 135 for two. Isobel Jennings added 17, while Lucy Barry provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 27 from only 15 balls, including three fours and a six.

Anna Ellerby and Eve Wilson each claimed two wickets for the NCU, but the Leinster total proved far beyond reach.

Rebecca Webster gave the northern side a positive start with 33 from 29 balls, while Taila Hurley made 23. However, Aisling Lawlor tore through the middle order, dismissing Lowry, Hurley, Andrews as well as Georgia and Grace Wilson.

Lawlor finished with outstanding figures of five for 27 from eight overs. Arisha Foysal claimed three for 24 and Lucy Barry took two for 23 as the NCU were dismissed for 159 in 36.5 overs.

Aisling Lawlor: Pic by Cricket Leinster

The victory leaves Leinster on the brink of the trophy, which they will lift if they defeat the North West Warriors on Friday.