It was just over 80 years ago in 1935 that the first Leinster Senior Cup was held. The winners that year were Pembroke, with Phoenix runners up. Fifty years ago the winners of the cup were Old Belvedere who defeated Malahide in the Phoenix Park. It was their third win in a row with Alec O’Riordan, certainly one of Ireland’s greatest all-rounders, leading the way with 7/23 and 35 with the bat. They were much different times but the cup has always been treated as something special - with a distinct format. Today the competition is an unusual 60 overs per team - in earlier years it was a timeless match that could go on for days and even weeks.
This year there are six contests in the first round. Five of these are between D1 and D2 clubs, with home advantage favouring the former in four of these ties. The possibility of inclement weather and the application of Duckworth Lewis may add an extra element of uncertainty, but one would expect the D1 sides to come through their first round encounters. The closest match [on paper] is perhaps that between The Hills and a much strengthened Leinster side. But Leinster are a little short of match practice while The Hills have won three out of three so far this season. So the home side [The Hills] should have the edge.
The tie of the round is between YMCA and North County. In their league match a few weeks back North County were at home and managed a narrow three wicket victory. But the venues are reversed this time. YMCA have had a poor start to the season with only a ISC win against North Down for their efforts. North County have had more success but come off a bad drubbing by Pembroke in their last match. Could be a close game and certainly will be hard fought.
In the other matches, Rush will need to maximise home advantage if they are to halt the progress of Clontarf who are the form team in Leinster at present. Merrion should be too strong for a Malahide team that lost unexpectedly to North Kildare last weekend. But Malahide will remember fondly coming to Anglesea Road in similar circumstances a couple of years ago and pulling off an impressive victory. In Sydney Parade, Pembroke take on Balbriggan and should have enough all round strength to win through. But Balbriggan are nothing if not mercurial and won’t be unhappy with the role of underdogs. Finally, Phoenix take on Terenure and should, notwithstanding a heavy defeat to Merrion last weekend in the league, be too strong for a Terenure team which though competitive have yet to win this season.
Matches start at 11.00. It is hoped that the gremlins that effected the TCS server last weekend have all been sorted and that we will have full coverage of Live Scores on the Match Centre.
Rush v Clontarf
The Hills v Leinster
Merrion v Malahide
Pembroke v Balbriggan
Phoenix v Terenure
YMCA v North County.