So what are the first impression of the new format for the LHK Insurance T20 [Alan Murray] League. The good news of course is that we managed to get through the full programme of matches. It is probably fair to say that the format will only be fully tested when bad weather takes a hand. But what do we know so far?
15 games were played in the day across the five grounds starting at 10.30. That is two more per ground than a normal day when a Division 1 match is on and thus, potentially, engages a lot more players. The results seemed to pretty much follow the strengths of the D1 and D2 leagues [excepting Merrion] and current form. But there were a several very competitive matches notwithstanding the mix of Divisions. There will need to be feedback from players, umpires and clubs about the length of the day, the pressures of playing two matches, what is desirable from a hosting club etc. before a final judgement can be made.
In terms of the overall playing of cricket does it provide a standard that will contribute to developing the skills of players in the T20 format. Obviously the answer to this will require a lot more analysis and many more matches. And does it fit well with the other competitions. Back of the envelope calculations would seem to suggest that the desired breakdown between the different types of format emerging in Leinster - with the normal scoring rate for ’50 Over’ matches in the 4 - 5 runs per over range. As one would expect there are quicker scoring rates for the ’40 Over’ games, 5 - 6 runs per over range and for the T20s at around 7 - 8 runs per over.
And what of the results from yesterday. The highest score was that of 246/3 by Clontarf v Terenure, which also saw the day’s only century [Andrew Poynter]. From what I can see [and I only have sight of the full scorecards from 12 of the matches] the highest successful run chase of the day was in the Railway v Merrion game where Merrion reached the target of 171 to win with a six off the last ball of the 20th over. There was one tie - between Phoenix and Rush. Rush [having put on 91 within ten overs for the first wicket chasing 156 to win] allowed Phoenix back in the game and ended up having to scramble for the runs in the last over and for the last ball. Earlier in the day Rush had another close encounter when they fell one run short of a Balbriggan score on 171/3.
So a reasonably number of exciting games and even when the margin of victory appeared substantial, chasing down scores often went to the last over, as in the case of YMCA’s win by seven wickets over Malahide with two balls to spare.
But the main reason for raising the profile of the T20 cricket in Leinster is that at the highest club level we have to create the conditions that allow players to develop the specific skills that are required for this format of the game. It will take a while before we are able to see if certain players emerge who can demonstrate the needed skills for T20 [that may not be evident in their longer game]. For the coaches and selectors pouring over the statistics this means shifting the focus away from wickets and batting averages and more towards scoring rates and runs per over. And for proper analysis this means being able to see the runs scored during different segments of the game. This reinforces the importance [which of course applies to 50 over cricket as well] of ensuring that matches played at the top club level are recorded using Total Cricket Scorer or some other electronic scoring device. Without this proper analysis is not possible.
Results from R1 of the LHK Insurance T20 League
None of the above is confirmed until scorecards are submitted in the normal manner.