LEINSTER Lightning got a huge boost this weekend as they get ready to kick off their RSA Inter-Provincial campaign.

All the players that will wear the blue shirt today were in league action on Saturday and most showed impressive form.

Andrew Poynter and Fintan McAllister made centuries, while Trent Johnston rolled back the years taking 5-18 in his first game as a 39-year-old.

And Alex Cusack, Max Sorensen, Eddie Richardson and Andrew Balbirinie all made fifties as the Lightning tuned up for the Northern Knights.

The NCU side suffered a blow yesterday when promising Peter Eakin pulled out through injury. He was replaced by Mark Adair.

This is the first game in the new RSA Inter-Provincials and a large crowd is expected at The Hills where play starts at 10.45am. Admission is free.

Kevin O’Brien was upbeat about the return of wicketkeeper McAllister, who spent a couple of years Down Under.

O'Brien said: “It's great to have him back in Leinster cricket after his spell away. He’s as chirpy as ever and I’m sure he'll be looking forward to getting stuck in and ready for the challenge.”


LEINSTER LIGHTNING: K O'Brien (capt, Railway Union), B Ackland, J Anderson, T Kane (Merrion), A Balbirnie (Pembroke), A Cusack, A Poynter (Clontarf), F McAllister (Malahide), E Richardson (North County), M Sorensen (The Hills), A van der Merwe, T Johnston (YMCA). Coach: TJohnston. Manager: M Jones

NORTHERN KNIGHTS: A White (capt), E Moleon, J Shannon (all Instonians), N Jones, M Adair (CSN), C Dougherty (CIYMS), L Nelson, P Eaglestone, J Hall, G Kidd (Waringstown), M Taiaroa (Carrickfergus), D Simpson (Lisburn). Coach: E Moleon. Manager: G Rodgers.