WEXFORD WAND ERERS

Wexford Wanderers firsts kept alive their hopes of Leinster League glory when they comfortably defeated leaders Bagenalstown by five wickets at Park last Saturday.

This victory sees both sides sharing first place with just one week’s fixtures remaining to be played, with North Kildare and Ringcommon also in the mix.

The toss proved to be vital on the day and home skipper Tony Murray had no hesitation in offering the visitors first use of the wicket on what was a damp dreary day.

Tony himself was in fine form with ball in hand, returning remarkable figures of three wickets for just five runs off seven overs. He received excellent support from Nithin with three for nine off seven as Bagenalstown were bundled out for 110 runs.

Batting conditions improved in the second half and Wanderers got off to a good start putting on 20 runs before losing their first wicket. However, two further wickets were soon lost and with the scoreboard on 28 for three, the game was back in the balance.

Umar with 33 runs and Adil with 27 soon got the innings back on track and a hard-hitting innings of 34 not out from Nithin saw Wanderers over the line with five wickets to spare.

Next Saturday at Park, North County provide the opposition and all the team can do is to win on the day and hope results from the other games go in their favour.