George Dockrell took six for 29 to spin Leinster Lighting to an innings win over Northern Knights on the final day of the Hanley Energy Interprovincial Championship match as Castle Avenue in Clontarf.
The left-armer struck twice in his third over of the morning, trapping Shane Getkate – who had been dropped twice in an eventful start to the day – for 14, and then three balls later bowling Graeme McCarter for a duck.
Knights skipper James Shannon found a willing ally in Jamie Magowan, and together the pair defied everything Lightning threw at them.
They added 54 in 21.1 overs, combining watchful defence with the occasional flashing drive, taking advantage of the attacking field settings.
The resistance was finally ended when Lightning skipper John Anderson induced an edge from Magowan (30) and Lorcan Tucker took a fine catch.
Robert McKinley joined Shannon and the pair gained a moral victory as they survived the rest of the morning session to force the game into the afternoon.
However, a revitalised Dockrell and Lightning ensured a swift conclusion when first Shannon edged behind and eight balls later he struck again having McKinley (18) caught by Joyce at slip – 12 runs short of making Lightning bat again.
Shannon’s top score of 60 ensured he finished the Championship’s leading run scorer with 446 runs at 74.33, while Dockrell’s second six-wicket haul ensured he was the leading wicket taker in the first-class tournament with 22.
Leinster had already wrapped up their fifth straight championship title on Wednesday thanks to Ed Joyce’s unbeaten 167, the bonus points for a first-innings lead enough to secure the trophy.
