DONEMANA GO FOR THE DOUBLE

Donemana chairman George Walker has hailed the club’s young players, coaches and families after the Under-15s were crowned All-Ireland champions — with the Under-17s now hoping to complete a memorable national double in Munster.

The Under-15s secured the title after a superb finals day at Phoenix Park, first surviving a dramatic last-ball semi-final against hosts Phoenix before beating Instonians by 30 runs in the decider.

Donemana posted 138 for five from a rain-reduced 19 overs in the final, captain Olly Britton leading from the front with 77 from 58 balls, including six fours and a six. Alfie Moan added 23 from 20 deliveries before the bowlers took over.

Moan struck twice, Alex Olphert produced an outstanding four for 18, and Riley Boyd claimed three for 21 as Instonians were dismissed for 108 despite a late 31 from Freddie Robinson.

The triumph followed the narrowest of escapes in the semi-final, Donemana edging Phoenix by one wicket after scoring the winning runs from the final delivery, bit only after a bizarre situation which saw both sides celebrating victory after a mix-up, eventually settled in the Tyrone side's favour.

Walker said the success was the reward for several years of hard work.

“Donemana CC are understandably delighted and very proud of the achievements of our Under-15s and Under-17s this season,” he said. “To win the All-Ireland Under-15 competition has galvanised a piece of work started a few years ago and huge credit must go to each player involved in the squad for their continued commitment to cricket.

“Their coaches deserve great credit for guiding their experience and nurturing their undoubted talent, while the sacrifice and dedication of their parents and families over the years has also been immense. These boys are a credit to their families, their club and North West cricket in general.”

Attention now switches to the Under-17s, who have travelled to Cork ahead of their All-Ireland finals day. Walker believes confidence should be high, particularly with several members of the victorious Under-15 side also involved.

“Our Under-17s play in Cork having travelled early with a hotel stay,” he said. “We hope they enjoy the experience and, if they perform to their abilities, they will be a match for any Under-17 side in Irish cricket. Many of our Under-15s are also involved, so with confidence high and expectations even higher, the boys should do well. Good luck to all of them as they try their best playing for Donemana CC.”

It has already been an outstanding season for North West youth cricket, with Bonds Glen claiming the Under-13 and Under-15 girls titles, while Donemana now have the opportunity to add another national trophy and complete a remarkable double for one of the outstanding clubs in Irish cricket.