Maghera CC Women's: Clinical display sends Maghera into the Final

After two washout matches throughout the week Maghera Women’s XI produced a composed all-round performance on Friday night to secure a convincing Plate semi-final victory over Newbuildings and book their place into the final.

Maghera Women's XI

Maghera Women's XI vs Newbuilding Women's 1st XI - Division 2 Plate Semi Final

Friday 12/6/26 - The Rainey

Newbuildings were asked to bat first after Carol Andrews won the toss, and the decision quickly paid dividends. Sarah Marshall struck in sensational fashion, producing a wicket-maiden opening over that left the visitors 0–1 after just three deliveries, with early LBW shouts and a bowled dismissal setting the tone. Kirsty Stevenson followed up with disciplined, probing bowling that gave little away, maintaining pressure on a Newbuildings batting line-up that worked hard to establish rhythm but found scoring opportunities limited.

The next breakthrough came with the score on 27, as Kirsty broke through the defence to remove a set batter just before the sixth over. Newbuildings showed real determination in response, producing their most stable period of the innings as they worked to rebuild and extend their total, but Verity Roulston made the crucial intervention, removing their top scorer to leave the innings finely poised at 53–3. Two deliveries later, Lucy Stevenson struck in quick succession at the start of her over, taking two wickets in two balls and narrowly missing out on a hat-trick as Newbuildings collapsed to 53–5 after 12.2 overs.

From there, Maghera maintained control through tight, disciplined bowling spells from Philippa McClay, Lucy Stevenson, Verity Roulston and Kirsty Stevenson, restricting any late momentum. Newbuildings were eventually dismissed for 82–7 from their 20 overs, with six of the seven wickets falling bowled.

In reply, Maghera’s chase was built on calm intent and smart rotation of strike. Zoe Crooks and Verity Roulston opened steadily, ensuring there was no early pressure on the scoreboard before Zoe began to accelerate, striking two well-timed boundaries as the pair moved to 43–0 after seven overs.

Zoe Crooks 39 (47) and Verity Roulston 20* (40)

With the required rate comfortably under control, Maghera continued to chip away at the target through controlled stroke play and disciplined running. Zoe fell for a well-made 39, caught after a mistimed stroke with the score on 71 in the 14th over, but the platform had already secured the outcome. Sarah Marshall joined Verity at the crease, and the pair guided the side home comfortably, reaching 83–1 within 15.3 overs.

Zoe (39), Verity (20*) and Sarah (4*) led the scoring effort in a composed chase built on patience and precision.

A disciplined bowling effort backed by a confident, controlled batting display secured a comprehensive victory and a well-earned place in the final.

Newbuildings Women's 1st XI - 82/7 def by Maghera Women's XI - 83/1

Written by Benji Cathcart (Club Coach)