Leinster hold advantage over North West into final day

Ed Joyces 46th first-class century ensured Leinster Lightning maintained the upper hand on the second day of their Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship match against North West Warriors at Oak Hill.
Joyce dominated Lightning’s innings, stroking 23 fours and two sixes as he top scored with 156 as Lightning posted 365 for 9 declared – a first-innings lead of 130.
Lorcan Tucker scored his maiden first-class half-century, hitting 56 from 119 balls (5 fours, 1 six) in a solid Lightning batting display.
Four players got into the twenties, with John Anderson making 29, and George Dockrell, Jack Tector and Simi Singh all scoring 27.
The Warriors attack battled manfully, with Andrew McBrine, Craig Young and David Scanlon all taking three wickets apiece.
With 17 overs to negotiate before the close of play The Warriors were soon in difficulty yet again, losing Irosh Samarasooriya, Ross Allen and Andrew Austin to finish the day on 44 for 3.
The Warriors face a daunting challenge to salvage anything on the final day, and much will depend on the experienced Niall O’Brien (16*) if they are to escape with a draw.
Play on Thursday gets under way again at 11am.
Hanley Energy Inter-Provincial Championship
Leinster Lightning v North West Warriors at Oak Hill, Day 2 of 3
North West Warriors 235(87.2 overs; A McBrine 67, D Rankin 47: S Singh 3-59)and 44-3 (17 overs)
Leinster Lightning 365-9 dec (101.3 overs) E Joyce 156, L Tucker 56; C Young 3-70, D Scanlon 3-79, A McBrine 3-91