In the end it was quite comfortable for Clontarf as they powered to a six-wicket victory over Pembroke in the RSA Senior Cup Final. It was a good team performance with their front line bowlers either taking wickets or being economical in their run rate and all six batsmen getting into double figures.
Many thought the decision to insert Pembroke on Saturday a brave one in a 60 over final on a good wicket. But it proved decisive, as Pembroke never really worked out what a competitive score was on the day and ended up batting too slowly. On another occasion 236/8 might have been enough, but against a strong Clontarf batting line-up once Pembroke failed to make the break-through with the new ball there was a certain inevitably about the result.
Andrew Poynter was awarded man-of-the-match for a belligerent half century in 50 balls but in reality it was a team affair with 50s from skipper Bill Coghlan and Mike Watterson. On the bowling front Alec Cusack took three wickets but it was the economical spell from Joe Morrissey [0/25 in ten overs] that set the pace for the Pembroke innings.
For Pembroke Theo Lawson made top score with 79 and Andrew Balbiernie, who could have benefitted with more time at the wicket, made 57 not out from 60 balls. Between them they made up the bulk of the runs. Alan Eastwood was the pick of the bowlers with 2/39 in 12 overs.
This was a tactical and interesting final in between the showers. But it never really got exciting. YMCA put on a great show and the Claremount Road ground never looked better. It was RSA’s first major final as the main Cricket Leinster sponsor and their support [and large tent] certainly added to the day.