SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED! SPORTSHUB SENIOR CUP QUARTER-FINAL ROUND-UP

The four Semi-Finalists of the SportsHub Senior Cup have this evening been confirmed, after a brilliant evening of quarter-final action took place across the city.

Firstly, in the Phoenix Park, the home side batted first against Balbriggan, and recovered from the early loss of Gaby Lewis to post a competitive-looking total of 121/5 in their 20 overs, Nevedha Saravanarajan leading the way with a well compiled 38, whilst she was supported by Arisha Foysal who was unbeaten on 22. Balbriggan were always well ahead in the chase thanks to a quick-fire 48 from just 35 balls for Lara Maritz, accompanied by another 35 from Madison Landsman which saw the side confirm there will be a semi-final in Jack Harper Park on July 1st.

Their opposition in that game will be the extremely powerful Merrion side, who secured a 35 run victory over Leinster in Observatory Lane this evening. Batting first, the visitors got off to a flier courtesy of Bella Armstrong, with the Kiwi eventually making 71 from just 50 balls having shared a stand of 78 with Rebecca Stokell, who's 35 took just 26 deliveries, whilst Leah Paul helped keep the momentum with her 24. With the ball, Merrion were controlled, Armstrong bowling her four overs for just 18, whilst Isobel Joyce 0-23, and Sophie Stewart 1-29, also performed important roles in bowling their spells for well below the required run-rate. Sophie MacMahon and Laura Delany top scored for the home side with 47 and 43 respectively, however the control of Merrion's bowling unit meant the task became too tough too quickly, as they fell short.

Pembroke secured themselves a home tie, blowing away competition debutants Rush by 122 runs. Their total of 185/5 was led by Lou Lou Little's 64, with support in the shape of 39 and 37 from Orla Prendergast and Sarah Forbes respectively, with the home side building up what ultimately is a daunting total to chase in 20 over cricket. Ocean Bartlett the stand-out bowler for Rush, taking 2/23 and largely avoiding the carnage from the Pembroke battalion. An excellent performance with the ball then saw the Sydney Parade outfit restrict Rush to just 63 all out, four bowlers chipping in with one wicket apiece, however it's doubtless the performance of Hannah Little that will please the league holders the most, as her four overs saw her claiming 5/13 in a superb effort for the home side.

The final game of the round saw Malahide batting first against Clontarf, and this time around Clontarf were able to dismiss Meg Thompson relatively cheaply, the Village's overseas departing for just 22, and although Anna Kerrison then top-scored with 31, there's no doubt 'Tarf would have been particularly happy with needing to chase Malahide's 132/7. Lucy Barry and Alyssa Pasley both took two wickets for the away side in a strong all-round effort. The total, however, proved to be 15 too many, as Sarah Condron dismissed Christina Coulter-Reilly cheaply once again, before then claiming the wicket of Alice Walsh, and when Anna Kerrison added her two scalps, it was 37/5 and the away side were in big trouble. Unbeaten scores of 26 each for Gemma Sargent and Hannah Pasley dragged 'Tarf to 117, however it's Malahide who'll travel to Sydney Parade for the semi-final.

SPORTSHUB SENIOR CUP

SEMI-FINALS - JULY 1ST

At Jack Harper Park, Balbriggan vs Merrion

At Sydney Parade, Pembroke vs Malahide