The eight Leinster teams who play in the National Cup, the second tier Cricket Ireland cup compeititon, have been given tough ties in the first round draw puclished by Cricket Ireland today.
With the continuing policy of Munster and Connacht clubs being kept in their own section, the Leinster clubs face either NCU or North West opposition in all matches.
The four teams to be drawn at home were Balbriggan, Phoenix, North Kildare and Greystones. Balbriggan have been one of the best performing sides in the National Cup, and they will be happy with getting Cliftonville at home. The Belfast team finished 8th in the ten team NCU Section 1 last year.
Phoenix will welcome Derriaghy to the Park, whilst North Kildare will host Drummond of the North West, and may fancy their chances of an upset. North Kildare are coming off the back of an impressive 3rd place in Division 3, whilst Drummond finished 6th in the NW championship.
Greystones make their first appearance in a national competition, and they will welcome Sion Mills to Wicklow. Whether the grounds of either club will be ready (in Greystones' case) or available (in Sion Mills' case) is open to question.
The other four Leinster clubs will be travelling to far flung parts of the country. Civil Service travel up to Down to take on Holywood. Both sides were relegated from their respective leagues last season, so will be looking to bounce back.
There is an intriguing tie for Rush, who travel to Templepatrick. Bith sides had promising seasons in 2014, and this will be a close one. Dundrum will be looking to repeat last season's run to the semi finals, although they start the hard way, by travelling up to Creevedonnell in the North West. The final tie sees Laois make the 440 mile round trip to Limavady to play Ballyspallen.
2015 National Cup Round One