The return of the top flight league club cricket after its mid-summer break saw a few upsets and an important shift in the balance of fortunes in the title race in D1. But overall the combination of results on the day did little to overturn the established order.
The main upset was Merrion’s loss to Railway at Park Avenue and this combined with YMCA’s narrow victory over Terenure, sees YMCA go to the top of the table. Merrion’s loss to Railway probably does not change the importance of the ‘head-to-head’ between the two sides [17th August] but it means that it is now Merrion who cannot afford to lose one of their other two matches. This makes Merrion’s away fixture against The Hills next weekend a ‘must win’ match for them.
In the battle to avoid the second relegation spot it is pretty much as before the weekend with all three teams most directly involved, The Hills, North County and Railway, securing victories. Of course another round has passed and time is running out for Railway to move out of 7th spot. But for Railway it was critical that they have kept in touch with North County, and this they achieved. With matches against Pembroke and Terenure coming up they now have a reasonable chance of taking it to the final round when they meet North County in what could be a decisive encounter on 30th August. Of the other teams that could be involved in the shake-out, The Hills will be feeling much more comfortable this morning but may still need one more win to be safe. Pembroke can be caught by Railway [and the two teams meet next weekend] but it would require a convoluted and unlikely series of results to bring them back into the frame.
Finally, Clontarf’s loss to The Hills means that they have given up their outside chance of a late run for the title but will probably be happy enough to be able to concentrate on the Irish Cup and the T20 competitions.
In D2 Cork County have drawn to within 21 points of Malahide with a match in hand thanks to their double header against Pembroke II. The gulf between these two sides and the rest has been clear all season and was emphasised once again as Malahide chased down a 250 Leinster score to win by an impressive eight wicket margin. All is pretty much settled at the bottom of the table [except for the mathematicians] and Phoenix’s comprehensive win over Merrion II means that it is the two ‘2nd XIs’ who will go down this year. Interest in the league will be maintained at least until the 17th August when Cork and Malahide play each other in the Mardyke.
Finally, mention should be made of the great effort by Balbriggan to overcome Rush by one wicket thanks to a 72 run last wicket stand. It shows that thrilling cricket is still possible even in a late season mid-table clash.