Murray inclusion could swing the Challenge Cup in Villagers’ favour

IRELAND international Cara Murray is set to take her place in the Waringstown side for tomorrow’s Gallagher Women’s Challenge Cup final against holders Civil Service North at The Lawn (10.30am).

The inclusion of the 19-yearold, after injury problems, is a huge boost for the Villagers and, in a contest between two closely-matched teams, could be the match-winning difference.

Murray, who is on a non-retainer contract with Ireland after making her debut in 2018 against New Zealand, has yet to play in the competition this season, missing the first-round victory over Instonians and the exciting semi-final chase when skipper Charlotte Lyons saw them to a seven-wicket victory with an undefeated 43.

CSN defeated North Down by seven wickets in their quarter-final and reached the final with a five-wicket win over Lurgan at Pollock Park, with Sophie Thomas named player of the match with the game’s top score of 44.

Because of the pandemic, the Challenge Cup is the only trophy up for grabs for the women.

Players from the finalists dominated the NCU team which completed a second win over the touring Jersey Women’s side yesterday, with CSN skipper Abbi Lecky joined by club-mates Ash Healy and wicket-keeper Rachel Thomas, while Waringstown were represented by Lyons, Murray, who took 3-18, Jennifer Hanna and Molly and Emily Mathers.

Looking ahead to the final, CSN head coach Chris Elliott said: “Waringstown have the home advantage and a very strong squad, but we will hope to take early wickets with Abbi, Ash and Jemma Gillan, while Sophie and Beth Healy are capable of big runs with the bat.

“We are proud holders and look forward to retaining the Cup.”

Waringstown: C Lyons (capt), C Murray, M Mathers, R Harrison, R Evans, E Mathers, K Patterson (Wk), L Lyttle, A Harrison, J Hanna, K Hunter, R Hanna

CSNI: A Leckey (capt), B Healy, S Thomas, R Thomas (wk), A Fisher, A Healy, J Gillan, J Thomas, N Gondhia, E Scott, A Burton, Z Miller.