As we get closer to the end of the season matches are beginning to take on the feel of ‘must win’ cup ties. With the weather a little uncertain – but hopefully promising better today than yesterday –DL could still have a say in the final outcome.
The two big matches at the top of the table see Merrion travel to The Hills and YMCA entertain Clontarf. For Merrion this is the first of three matches that they probably have to win if they are to take the title. Having led for most of the season the team has had a poor run of late culminating in a loss to Railway last weekend. If they don’t win against The Hills then the outcome of their head-to-head with YMCA next week may not matter.
Merrion had a comfortable win earlier in the season against The Hills when the two teams met in Anglesea Road. But for Merrion that must seem a long time ago. The Hills have played better of late but are themselves not fully out of danger so it promises to be a close and hard fought contest. It may depend on who can hold their nerve best.
YMCA just seem to keep on winning. Each week someone steps up and manages to get them over the line. With Clontarf’s focus very much on the RSA Irish Senior Cup and the Alan Murray T20s this is probably a good time for YMCA to play them. But a relaxed Clontarf, though how Bill Coghlan could be more laid back I am not sure, can be dangerous. Still YMCA must be favourites to make it a home victory.
Another crucial match in Park Avenue sees Railway take on Pembroke. Last week Railway caused a big upset in beating Merrion. They need to win again to keep their hopes of survival alive. Pembroke have the better all-round team and Railway look to be missing a couple of players including Pat Collins, so an away win is on the cards.
The final game sees North County host Terenure and will be expected to win. Terenure have put in a number of good performances in recent weeks, and have had chances to win against both Merrion and YMCA, without quite doing enough. Losing becomes a habit that can be very difficult to break.
The Hills v Merrion Home Win
YMCA v Clontarf Home Win
Railway v Pembroke Away Win
N County v Terenure Home Win
In Division 2 there are only two matches. In the first Leinster take on Rush. Neither team has made much impression with the ball this year and so this could prove to be a high scoring affair. Last weekend Hugh MacDonnell made his maiden century but it was in a losing cause as Malahide easily overtook a large Leinster total. Rush came closer to beating Balbriggan but were foiled by a 70 run last wicket partnership.
In the second match Balbriggan take on Cork County. With only one loss so far this season, Cork will be expected to win and close the gap on leaders Malahide [who are not in action]. The only thing that might upset the established order is another big innings from Muhammad Farrukh.
Leinster v Rush Home Win
Balbriggan v Cork Away Win
Railway: K Carroll, C Divney, R Gaur, A Hafeez, A Hornsby, D Kapoor, Z Buksh, J Singh, M Tariq, T Townsend, F Ul-Haq
Leinster: C mallon, H MacDonnell, G Delany, J Kerrison, P Johnston, JP O’Dwyer, R Forrest, R Kenealy, B Azhar, D Lucas, J Carroll.
No other team sheets have been sent in. I will add them if they are submitted.