The second round of the Irish Senior Cup has six games involving Leinster teams. The draw for the round has resulted in a good geographical spread with only two Leinster teams meeting up, with North County playing host to Malahide. Given current form North County will be strong favourites to win this tie.
There are two other home fixtures - nicely spaced North and South - as The Hills take on CIYMS and Merrion play Carrickfergus. Both interesting matches and will be stern tests for the home sides. Merrion look to have the more difficult match against a Carrickfergus team that is at the top of the NCU Premier league. CIYMS have not had as good a start to their league season but had a good win over Brigade in the first round of the ISC.
For the teams travelling Pembroke have a difficult game against Instonians who may, however, be without key player James Shannon. Phoenix travel to Cork and will be expected to make it two from two for the weekend. YMCA make the long journey to Fox Lodge where they take on a team that is top of their Championship League [D2].
In the National Cup the Leinster teams did very well in the first round - winning all encounters that were determined on the field of play - and again will have a number of non-Leinster sides to contend with. Civil Service [v Ballyspallen], Laois [v Sion Mills], Balbriggan [v Ballaghaderreen] and Terenure [v Newbuildings] all make the journey out of the province. North Kildare are at home and would be hoping to continue their good run of wins against County Kerry. There is one all Leinster tie - Rush take on Dundrum.
So another good test of the strength of club cricket in Leinster. We will hopefully get reports during the afternoon of how the various matches are going. If you are out and about - there are plenty of home matches to visit.