The Leinster Senior Cup reaches the semi-finals stage today. The competition this year has been affected quite badly by the weather with DL / Bowl Outs employed regularly. The weather forecast is better today and while showers are forecast for this afternoon, hopefully we will get the matches finished.
In the all D1 clash Clontarf take on YMCA at Castle Avenue. Clontarf have had the most impressive route to the SF beating first Rush by 227 runs and then Pembroke by seven wickets. They also bring a great deal of experience of the 60 over format to the game, having won the competition for the last two years and three out of the past four. YMCA have had a more fraught journey, beating North County in the first round by 36 runs followed by Merrion 3/2 in a bowl out. YMCA managed to break their hosts stranglehold on the competition in 2013 but before that one has to go back to 2002 for their last win.
The second SF throws up an interesting D1 v D2 clash between Leinster and Railway Union. Leinster had to beat two D1 sides to get through - The Hills [5W] and Phoenix [7W] while Railway had by far the easiest route - a bye followed by a 61 runs win over North Kildare. Railway have had to give home advantage due to wet conditions in Park Avenue and the match is to be played at Rathmines. Railway last won the Senior Cup in 2010, while Leisnter have to go back to 1998 for their last success.