Emma Macbeth to score her first international match on Monday

Donegal teenager Emma Macbeth will make her own piece of history on Monday.

The Ballindrait native qualified as an international cricket scorer last November.

The process of attaining international scorer status usually takes years, but the St Johnston Cricket Club woman will now score her first official international game on Monday - and will be one of the youngest ever to fill such a role.

Emma will be on duty when the North West Women Warriors face MCC Women at the home of Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason. The Twenty20 contest is the first of a three-game series, followed by a 50-over game at Eglinton on Tuesday and a Twenty20 meeting in Strabane on Wednesday.

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“It’s a big honour,” Emma told Donegal Live. “When I found out I was one the youngest ever, I nearly fainted. The process usually takes something like seven years and I’ve done it in one.

“Normally you don’t get to the international level until you’re above 18.”

Emma, who is studying agriculture at ATU Donegal having completed her Leaving Cert at the Royal and Prior last year, turned 18 in March, but achieved the international standard last November.

Having been a scorer at St Johnston Cricket Club since she was just nine years of age, she entered rigorous training with Cricket Ireland during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020.

Her dad, David, has been a key player for St Johnston for many years and the Macbeth family are firmly rooted in the Railway Road club. Her grand-uncle Roy Torrens, who died in January 2021, was a former Ireland manager and player.

Mum Lynda is also immersed in the club and Emma was taught the scoring system when she was eight.

“I did my first senior game when I was nine, it was mad,” she says. “Last year, I did the inter-pros for the youths and I was appointed an international scorer in November.

“I’ve been at it for nine years. I love it. It’s something you couldn’t do if you didn’t love.”

MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) is regarded as the world's most active cricket club and their squad this week includes former England player Claire Taylor and Cecilia Joyce, a former Ireland international.

Meanwhile, St Johnston lost by ten runs in a close contest against Newbuildings in the North West Premier League.

St Johnston, aided by Graeme McCarter’s 39, a 37 from Michael Ryan, 28 off the bat of Andrew McElhatton and a 25-run stand by Jack Macbeth, made 159.

In reply, Newbuildings inched past with Jason Dunn top scoring with 36 before he was caught and bowled by Ian Macbeth.

McCarter claimed the wickets of Gareth McKeegan, Hanu Viljoen and Ryan Hunter while David Anthony also impressed with the ball, but the Saints were narrowly beaten.