As May turns to June, the focus of the Open Comps traditionally turns to the cups. There has been plenty of coverage of the RSA Seniior Cup, but there are another ten cup competitions available to be won - and some clubs have their sights set firmly on silverware.
The midweek 20/20 cups have been quietly progressing over the last few weeks. The LCU 20/20 Cup - The Russell Court Hotel is coming to the end of its group stages, but results are a little slow to come in. Clonee 2 and Railway Union 4 are the only two sides whose place in the quarter finals is assured, but all the other grouip winners should be known shortly.
Pat Halpin has been the highest scorer iin the Whelan Cup - his 75 helping Pembroke 4 to defeat debutants Cabinteely in the preliminary round. Adamstown 1 ovecame Pembroke in the next rouind though, and they will face Sandyford 2 in the battle for a semi final spot. In the other quarters, Malahide 4 host Clontarf 4, Balbriggan 2 North County 4 and Wicklow County 2 Leinster 5.
The YMCA Salver has also reached the last eight, but with some scorecards not in, the line up is not complete. John Andrews rolled back the years with a 69 as Rush 2 were beaten by North County 3 and also showing age is no barrier, Kamal Merchant took 5-13 as YMCA 3 beat Pembroke 4.
The Tillain Cup (which this year is having a new trophy to be presented by Eddie Tillain) had had one completed round. Rajesh Chawla and Umar Jehangir took four wickets a piece as YMCA 2 beat Railway Union 2 but match of the year so far in the 20 overr cups goes to the Fingal derby.
North County 2 scored 214 from 20 overs, with Terry Richardson a brilliant 105. The Hills never gave up though, and Patrick Byrne's 82* saw them home by 7 wickets. They now face Balbriggan in the quarter final