Bunworth star of one-wicket Clontarf win
Displaying his own particular brand of dedication and
purpose, opening bat Brian Bunworth produced his most valuable innings of the
season when he superbly lifted Clontarf to a great one wicket victory over Leinster
, a success which gave them the Wiggins Teape league title, at Rathmines on
Saturday.
In a match of grave importance, Brian, in company with
brother Rossa, put on 48 math winning runs for the last wicket to deny close challenging
Leinster victory which undeniably had pointed in their direction less than an
hour previously.
Chasing a Leinster total of 149 for 7 out of which
international Jack Short contributed half a century after being dropped in the
early stages. Clontarf’s trusty opening
pair of Bunworth and Enda McDermott gave their side a powerful start with 63
runs for the first wicket in 19 overs.
From 63 for 1, Clontarf plummeted to 104 for 9 and suddenly
all seemed lost for Clontarf. But the rescuing Bunworths brought Clontarf back
into the fray with Brian taking the decisive role and Rossa, too, playing a
fine supporting role. Tentative at first they made steady progress and the
onslaught really ignited in the last five overs when they strode out gloriously
to a memorable victory.
Leinster 149 for 7 (J. Short 51, S Parkinson 27, G. Duffy 23
no, Kirwan for 48)
Clontarf 152 for 9 ( J.B. Bunworth 77 no, E McDermott 39, R.
Bunworth 11 no, Kirby 6 for 48)
