LEINSTER's second attempt to break the northern grasp on the Royal Liver All Ireland Senior Cup petered out in a one sided contest at Rathmines yesterday. Full marks to everyone in the home side for fighting every step of the way, but Brigade won in some style, in their fourth and so far, only, successful final.
The sunshine was brilliant, the start rather less so for Leinster. Well, up to a point; Clive Colleran won the toss and elected to bat, but the loss of Mark Jones leg before to Dougie Huey with only 3 three runs on the board was disastrous.
Or so it seemed. The second wicket stand featuring Joe and Johnny Byrne - realised a reassuring 112 runs before a smart piece of fielding by Gregory Wilson broke the partnership in the 31st over. Johnny Byrne's top score of 56 for Leinster came off 90 balls, with three fours; Joe faced 115 balls and struck 6 boundaries.
Richie Waddell contributed an invaluable undefeated 44 off 50 balls, and Patrick Byrne's 26 was also a distinct help to Leinster's cause. But 199 off the regulation 50 overs looked that little bit modest, when Brigade came in to bat.
And home fears were rapidly proved to be well founded when the ultimate Man of the Match Colin Jeffrey, and William Wilson pot on 81 for the first wicket.
