Ireland Emerging Women suffered a frustrating 27-run defeat against ECB Team 2 after an excellent bowling performance was undone by a batting collapse in their latest 50-over contest. 

Phoenix's Darcey Dalwood led a superb Irish effort with four for 26 as the ECB side were dismissed for just 117 in 33.3 overs. They had been reduced to 39 for four before Simran Chandi, a Warwickshire pathway player, provided some resistance with 25 from 41 balls.  

Lara Maritz was outstanding with the ball, conceding only nine runs while claiming three wickets, including the final scalp. Jenni Jackson also struck, while Aisling Lawlor was involved in two run-outs as Ireland maintained the pressure throughout. 

A target of 118 appeared modest, but the Irish reply quickly unravelled. Lara Maritz, Zara Craig and Abbi Harrison were all gone with only 20 on the board before captain Annabel Squires fell for six at 37 for four. 

Aisling Lawlor dug in and attempted to rebuild, eventually carrying her bat for an unbeaten 35 from 69 deliveries, while Christina Coulter Reilly offered the best support with 14. 

However, Ivreen Dhaliwal, who has progressed through Surrey’s academy and Second XI pathway, tore through the lower order with five for 12 from six overs, as Ireland slumped from 72 for four to 90 all out.

Clara Thaker had earlier taken two wickets as Ireland missed a golden opportunity after Dalwood and Maritz had put Ireland firmly in control with the ball.

More batting practice the order of the day!