Despite a few heart tremors along the way the results yesterday went pretty much according to the form book [and the pundits predictions]. Run chases by The Hills and Malahide had their supporters close to despair at times but both managed to struggle past modest run targets. Merrion also lost late wickets in Phoenix but the end line was at this point well in sight. There was an interesting tousle between YMCA and Railway Union at Claremont Road, but the league leaders eventually emerged as comfortable winners.
In D2 Clontarf continued on their merry way with their sights now firmly fixed on the RSA Irish Senior Final against Merrion on 24th August [in Malahide]. Merrion IIs put up a challenging 250 plus total against Terenure in Anglesea Road but went down by five wickets. It is probably worth noting that this match was played on the artificial mat – is this the only time that this has occurred in a D1/D2 match outside of Terenure.
The impact on the league tables in D1/D2 from Round 10 of matches is, well, pretty much, steady as you go. Nothing much has been decided. All the main contenders for the Championship stay in the hunt and relegation for the two bottom teams in D1 is one round closer. The round saw only one real casualty with the loss to YMCA effectively ending Railway’s outside chance of glory this year.
In D2 there is surely only one issue to be decided and that is the second relegation place between Balbriggan and Merrion II, which will most likely be determined by the result of the head-to-head between the two teams at the end of the month.
So roll on R11 next weekend. On Saturday interest will be focussed on the North County v The Hills clash where the outcome will probably determine which team continues to challenge YMCA for the title. Railway [at home] with the pressure off will have the opportunity to derail Merrion’s hopes of remaining in contention. YMCA will be trusting that their game against Leinster is a banker and Pembroke will be hoping to finally put Phoenix out of their misery and all but secure their position in D1 for next season.
YMCA v Railway Union
YMCA 229-8 (R Strydom 89, P Collins 4/47)?? Railway Union 171 (P Collins 57, J Uddin 51, P Collins 57)
YMCA (22 points) beat Railway Union (3) by 58 runs
Phoenix v Merrion
Phoenix 172 (M Ahmed 50, C Kelly 50, D Joyce 4/32 Merrion 175-7 (B Thompson 65, K Beasley 50)
Merrion (22 points) beat Phoenix (3) by 3 wickets
The Hills v Pembroke
Pembroke 187 (D Barclay 51)?? The Hills 190-8 (M Sorensen 79, K Pretorious 69, A Eastwood 5-58)
The Hills (21 points) beat Pembroke (4) by 2 wickets
Leinster v North County
Leinster 112 (E Richardson 4/20 North County 115-5 (C Sheil 51)
North County (23) beat Leinster (2) by 5 wickets