OPEN T20 CUP UPDATES - JUNE 19TH (TILLAIN CUP - WHELAN CUP)

LHK INSURANCE TILLAIN CUP

Defending champions Malahide 2 cruised through Group A, finishing the pool stages with a perfect three wins from three and once again look like the team to beat. Elsewhere, Balbriggan 2, Phoenix 2 and Laois 1 each picked up a victory, but were unable to challenge Malahide 2 for qualification.

Knockharley 1 currently sit top of Group B with two wins from two and are firmly in control of their qualification hopes. The Hills 2 must win both of their remaining fixtures and overturn a significant Net Run Rate deficit to have any chance of progressing, while Railway Union 2 and Leinster 2 are now mathematically out of contention for a semi-final place.

Group C sees Castleknock top of the table with two wins from two so far, as both Merrion 2 and North County 2 are already eliminated having claimed just one win each, Clontarf host Castleknock on July 5th in Castle Avenue, and with 1.2 between the sides on NRR, a wide margin victory would be needed to knock the Porterstown Park outfit off top spot.

Civil Service 2 have made an impressive start to their campaign, recording victories over both Pembroke 2 and last season’s runners-up Sandyford 1. A win against Kilkenny 1 in their final group fixture would secure another semi-final appearance.

LHK INSURANCE YMCA SALVER

Group A remains finely balanced, with Greystones 1, DLR County 1 and Tyrrelstown 1 all sitting on one win apiece heading into the final round of fixtures.

Group B is equally open, with all four teams still capable of qualifying. Railway Union 3 and Civil Service 3 both conclude their campaigns against North County 3, who also remain firmly in the qualification race and know victories in their remaining fixtures would see them through.

Group C is set for a dramatic finish as Malahide 3 take on North Kildare 2 in the final group fixture. A win for Malahide would draw them level on points with leaders Adamstown 2, leaving Net Run Rate to determine who progresses.

In Group D, Athlone 1 are well placed to reach the semi-finals and know that victory over Leinster 3 will be enough to secure qualification. Longford 1 will be hoping for an Athlone slip-up and must first take care of business against Rush 2 to force the group into a Net Run Rate showdown.

LHK INSURANCE MIDDLE CUP

Lucan 1 have Group A firmly in their grasp with one fixture remaining. Victory against Phoenix 3 this weekend would secure a semi-final berth, thanks in large part to their commanding Net Run Rate following a rapid 10-wicket win over Civil Service 4 in their opening match. Balbriggan 3 will be hoping for an upset to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

Group B remains wide open with three matches still to be played. Leinster 4 can book their place in the semi-finals by winning their final two fixtures, but any slip-up could create a scenario where three teams finish level on wins and qualification is decided by Net Run Rate.

Mullingar 1 are favourites to emerge from Group C and will likely secure progression with victory over Swords 1 in their final fixture. Ashbourne 1 and Tyrrelstown 2 also remain in contention, although qualification may require a significant Net Run Rate swing.

Group D has already been decided, with Carlow 1 advancing after an unbeaten group campaign and three wins from three. Pembroke 3, Clontarf 3 and Castleknock 2 all fell short in their respective run chases and will now play out the remaining fixtures for pride.

ED SPORTS WHELAN CUP

Group A is shaping up to be one of the closest in the competition and will likely be decided by Net Run Rate. Three teams head into the final round of fixtures with one win each. Knockharley 2 currently lead the way, but Malahide 4 can put themselves in pole position with victory on home soil this weekend. Laois 2 face Lucan 2 knowing a convincing win is needed to boost their Net Run Rate and strengthen their semi-final credentials.

Merrion 4 enter their final two fixtures knowing that two wins will guarantee progression. A no result in their opening match means they now face both Finglas 1 and Adamstown 4 at Anglesea Road. Finglas 1, meanwhile, can secure qualification with an away victory over Merrion 4.

North Kildare 3 are strong favourites to progress from Group C. They travel to Pembroke 4 knowing a win will secure their place in the semi-finals. Tullamore 1 face Pembroke this weekend and a victory for the visitors would also seal qualification for North Kildare.

Group D will be settled by a winner-takes-all encounter between Adamstown 3 and Sandyford 2 at Airlie Park on Sunday. Both sides have won two matches, but Adamstown hold a significant Net Run Rate advantage thanks to emphatic victories over The Hills 3 and Finglas 2. That advantage could prove decisive should the match be affected by weather or end in a tie.