Ireland Emerging Women suffered a 110-run defeat against ECB Team 3 in their opening 50-over outing at the ECB Super 4s, despite four wickets from Penny Speer and a determined half-century from Lara Maritz. 

The English side posted 248 after being dismissed in 47.5 overs, with Grace Hemsted — a member of Lancashire’s Thunder pathway — compiling an excellent 101 from 125 balls, including 10 fours. 

Mollie Adams, part of England’s Under-19 programme, helped lay the foundations with 28 before Hemsted shared a valuable 68-run fourth-wicket stand with Faith Teekasingh, who made 31. 

Ireland fought back impressively late on, with Waringstown spinner Speer claiming four for 40, while The Hills' Lara McBride took two for 37 as ECB Team 3 lost their last seven wickets for 39. 

The chase never gathered sufficient momentum after Zara Craig fell for 22 and Abbi Harrison followed soon afterwards. Maritz provided the resistance, making 63 from 98 balls with four fours and a six, but wickets fell steadily around her. 

Once Maritz was dismissed at 122 for seven, Ireland’s prospects disappeared and they were bowled out for 138 in 37 overs. 

Lucy Randle-Bissell, Isla Williamson and Maria Andrews were all among the wickets, each claiming two as the ECB attack maintained relentless pressure. 

It was a tough opening assignment for a youthful Irish squad, although Speer’s bowling and Maritz’s composed innings will have provided Head Coach Nigel Jones with encouragement ahead of the remaining Super 4s fixtures this week at Loughborough.