Defending champions Merrion showed no mercy as they ruthlessly dismantled Fox Lodge by 170 runs in the All-Ireland T20 final at Malahide in a game reduced to 19 overs by early rain. Lucy Neely struck early to dismiss Annabel Squires, but that was a rare highlight for the Ballymagorry side as Irish internationals Leah Paul and Rachel Delaney (36) pounced on anything remotely loose. The pair added 96 n just 52 balls before Delaney was run out by a direct hit by Mollie Devine. Isabel Light was then bowled by 11 year-old Elle Moore, but Merrion finished strongly. Paul hit 18 boundaries in her unbeaten 112 from 62 deliveries, sharing an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 77 in just five overs with overseas player Polly Inglis. The New Zealander hit 6 fours and the only maximum in the innings in her 19-ball 42 not out as Merrion finished on an imposing 230 for 3. Fox Lodge never threatened in the chase with only Sarah Black offering any serious resistance as she hit three fours and a six in 29 from 22 balls. There were two wickets apiece for Sophie Stewart, Julieanne Morrissey, and Rachel Delaney in a comprehensive win.

Fox Lodge are through to the final of the All-Ireland T20 Women's competition after a 9-run win over CSNI in a rain-affected semi-final at Stormont. The Ballymagorry side had reached 76 for 1 in the 12th over when the rain hit. Lucy Neely (19*) and Sarah Black (17) had shared an opening stand of 30, with Neely and Mollie Devine (24*) adding an unbroken 46. That strong position stood them in good stead when the DLS calculations came out - the home side needing a tough 50 in 5 overs. The NW side were further helped by regulations which meant they could use 3 bowlers rather than 5 having one each. Mollie Devine proved the match winner as she took 2 for 16 in her two, while Neely also conceded 16. Skipper Kara Bates solitary over brought only 7, as CSNI finished on 40 for 4 - Jemma Gillan hitting 3 fours in an unbeaten 24. Fox Lodge will meet Merrion in the final at Malahide on Sunday August 27th.