Maghera Women Clinch First Silverware with Commanding Plate Final Victory

Maghera Women’s XI defeated Ballyspallen in the Division 2 Plate Final to secure their first piece of silverware in a landmark win for the side.

Ballyspallen Women's XI vs Maghera Women's XI - Division 2 Plate Final

Friday 3/7/26 - Ballyspallen

After winning the toss, Ballyspallen chose to bat first on a surface that proved quick through the outfield despite the conditions. Maghera struck early, with Philippa McClay and Rebecca Logan setting the tone with disciplined opening spells. The first breakthrough came immediately, with a superb catch from Hannah Watterson on debut in the opening over leaving Ballyspallen 8–1.

The home side found some rhythm in the early overs as the ball raced across a fast outfield, with the run rate climbing around 7 an over through the first phase. However, Maghera kept chipping away. A sharp steepling catch from Sarah Marshall brought the second wicket in the fourth over, before the innings ebbed and flowed through to the 11th over.

Rebecca added to her impact with a well-taken caught and bowled, and Ballyspallen had reached 68 before the next wicket fell.

From there, Maghera took control. Philippa and Lyndsey Currie bowled with real discipline, both keeping things under five an over, while wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Philippa and Rebecca both finished with two wickets apiece as the innings was gradually reined in. Ballyspallen were restricted through the final overs, with Maghera’s attack finishing strongly to keep the total within reach.

In reply, Maghera’s chase began with intent from Zoe Crooks and Verity Roulston, who quickly found their rhythm. However, a mix-up on a second run saw Verity run out against the run of play. That moment did little to halt the momentum.

Zoe Crooks 53*(38)

Philippa joined Zoe at the crease and the pair produced a standout partnership. Zoe took control of the scoring, striking eight boundaries as she drove the innings forward, while Philippa rotated the strike smartly to maintain pressure on the bowlers.

The partnership was eventually broken when Philippa was bowled, leaving Maghera well placed at 86–2 after 10 overs.

From there, Zoe continued her charge, bringing up a brilliant half-century from just 35 balls, a milestone moment in the club’s season. With the game firmly in hand, the remaining runs were knocked off comfortably. Zoe retired not out on 53, with Sarah and Rebecca seeing the side home inside 14 overs.

Carol Andrews (Captain)

A composed and clinical performance with both bat and ball secured the win, capping off a strong display of character and resilience after a testing run of fixtures — and delivering the Women’s XI their first silverware.

Ballyspallen - 107/6 def by Maghera - 109/2

Written by Benji Cathcart (Club Coach)