The NCU Women's side held off a spirited chase by Jersey to claim victory by the smallest margin in the first match of the three-match T20 series.

Asked to bat by Jersey skipper Chloe Greechan, the NCU Women got off to a quick start, her opposite number Amy Caulfield finding the boundary seven times, including a maximum over the clubhouse, in an innings of 40 off only 43 deliveries.

NCU Women

After the loss of opening partner Sam Todd (10) to a Grace Wetherall catch at mid-on, Caulfield and Sarah Rountree (22) kept the score ticking along until Caulfield fell lbw to Trinity Smith, and Rountree was bowled by Rose Hill, the first of her two wickets.

There were then runs from Sarah Hinds (11) and Abbi Harrison (13) that saw the NCU to a final total 107 in their 20 overs

The Jersey reply got off to the worst possible start, losing the wicket of Charlie Miles caught at point off Rachael Harrison's first delivery.

However Maria Da Rocha (8) and Lily Greig (35) settled the nerves, and when Da Rocha departed bowled by Jemma Gillan, Greig and Jersey captain Chloe Greechan (21) kept the chase alive.

Greechan in particular took the attach to the home side, improvising shots along the way, a reverse sweep to the boundary bringing the biggest cheer of the day from the Jersey bench.

Jersey Women

Greechan fell to a catch in the deep as she attempted to loft Emma McMurray over mid on, but could only find the safe hands of Jemma Gillan.

Analise Merritt (18) and Grace Wetherall (12) kept Jersey hopes alive right down to the final delivery, where a boundary was required to claim the win.

But NCU skipper Amy Caulfield bowling the final over, kept her nerve and claimed both the win and the Player of the Match Award, presented by NCU Women's Coach and Ireland Test player James Cameron-Dow.

Player of the Match Amy Caulfield gets her award from James Cameron-Dow

The two sides meet again today (Wednesday) in two T20 games at CSNI CC, Stormont, the first starting at 11.00 with the second following after 'lunch'.

T20 - NCU Women v Jersey Women

Queensway, 31 August. NCU Women won by 1 run.

NCU Women 107/6 (20 overs: Amy Caulfield 40, Sarah Rountree 22, Abbi Harrison 13, Sarah Hinds 11, Sam Todd 10; Rose Hill 2-23, Erin Duffy 1-17, Trinity Smith 1-17)

Jersey Women 106/4 (20 overs: Lily Greig 35, Chloe Greechan 21, Analise Merritt 18, Grace Wetherall 12; Emma McMurray 2-27, Jemma Gillan 1-14, Rachael Harrison 1-21)