Openers hand England Academy thumping win

In pursuit of Ireland’s meagre target of 123 Armitage and Capsey shook off disappointing outings earlier in the day against Australia A, to guide England Academy to a commanding 10-wicket win. The pair dominated the Ireland bowlers smashing them to all parts of the ground. They took a particular liking to Orla Prendergast, Lara Maritz and Sophie MacMohan— all of whom went for more that eight runs an over.
They polished off the chase in 16.4 overs with Armitage unbeaten on 59 off 49 balls, and Capsey with a 54-ball 58. They each hit seven boundaries, while Armitage smashed the only six of the match.
Earlier in the day Ireland struggled with the bat through the first innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Gaby Lewis and Prendergast, the openers, were dismissed inside the first four overs with the visitors’ score on 27. Leah Paul and Una Raymond-Hoey attempted to rebuild the innings with a 48-run partnership for the third wicket, but it was tough going as England Academy firmly put brakes on the scoring.
When Paul was dismissed for a 30-ball 21, Laura Delaney attempted to up the ante with a quick-fire 16. However, with Raymond-Hoey at one end playing out dot balls, Ireland were unable to ever truly get away. She scored 27 off 44 balls, including 24 dots. At the end of the innings, Ireland stuttered to 122 for 6 in 20 overs.
Dean picked up three wickets for England Academy, and also affected a run-out to dismiss Mary Waldron. Issy Wong and Mady Villiers took one wicket each.
Brief scores: Ireland 122/6 in 20 overs (Una Raymond-Hoey 27, Leah Paul 21; Charlie Dean 3-25) lost to England Academy 123/0 in 16.4 overs (Hollie Armitage 59*, Alice Capsey 58*) by 10 wickets.