At first glance, the 2013 RSA Tillain Cup will look pretty similar to previous years. The T20 competition for those clubs just outside the top tier of Leinster cricket has always thrown up good cricket, with Merrion 2 lifting the 2012 trophy.
Those with a keener eye though will spot something else if they travel to North Kildare's ground in Kilcock on May 13th. Mullingar will be hosting Civil Service on this day, and it will become the first Open Comps match to use a pink ball.
The Women's game in Leinster is currently leading the search to improve the game for cricketers in the province, and have decided to use pink balls in all cricket this season. The ball has the advantage of being able to be seen against both a black and white background, which hopefully should improve visibility for evening matches.
The OCC has been asked to trial the ball as well, and has chosen the Tillain Cup to do it. By the time finals day comes around on July 21st, and Eddie Tillain presents the trophy to the winning captain, all concerned should have a good idea as to the merits of the ball.
Meanwhile, the regional nature of the draw throws up the some of the old reliables. North County 2 host The Hills 2 in the first round, whilst Railway Union make the not particularly long (150 metres) trip up Park Avenue to Pembroke. The winners of that game travel slightly further afield to play YMCA 2.
The two Division 2 sides in the draw, Leinster 2 and Merrion 2 will meet in the second round - but only if Leinster can overcome Dundrum in Wesley College. It will be the first time that Dundrum have taken part in the Tillain, but they have an excellent record in twenty over competitions - they won the YMCA Salver last year, and will not be worried at the prospect of taking on Leinster.
Clontarf 2 could easily have been a Division 2 side as well this year, but in the end just about clung onto their Division 3 status. They will host Malahide 2. North Kildare 1 will host fellow Division 4 team Phoenix 2, whilst Laois 1 will play the winners of the Mullingar/Civil Service match.