SPORTSHUB SENIOR CUP FINAL PREVIEW – PEMBROKE VS MERRION (JULY 11TH)

Friday evening sees one of the most hotly contested rivalries in women’s cricket reprised once more, as Pembroke face off against Merrion in what is sure to be another closely fought tie.

Since 2020, these two sides have met on 12 occasions in T20 format, splitting the head to head 6 apiece, including Senior Cup Finals in 2021 and 2023, which again see a split head-to-head, with Pembroke sealing the trophy in 2021 thanks to an excellent performance with the bat by Orla Prendergast, whilst in 2023 it was Merrion’s batting led by Leah Paul and overseas player Polly Inglis which helped bring the trophy home.

Again there has been very little separating the sides this season too, as having played twice already, the head to head is again one apiece, with Merrion’s good start putting them far enough ahead on DLS before the rain came in Anglesea Road as they ran out 26 run winners, before the fixture in Observatory Lane saw Pembroke’s Clare Shillington-propelled batting line-up backed up by an excellent bowling effort from Kimli McDonald to secure a 17 run win.

Let’s look ahead therefore to this week’s tie, and with both sides having a full complement of players to select from, we’re set to see a very high-quality tie.

Pembroke will be skippered once again by their wicket-keeper Shauna Kavanagh, and feature no fewer than 6 other players who have been capped at international, level past or present. Their batting is led by Ireland’s star player Orla Prendergast and opener Sarah Forbes, whilst there’s more power-hitting and star quality in the shape of Lou Lou Little, player-coach Clare Shillington, and Kavanagh herself.

The Pembroke bowling is slightly less experienced, however it does still boast the new-ball prowess of Prendergast, as well as former international Louise McCarthy. Hannah Little showed her abilities with a 5-wicket-haul in round one, whilst Lou Lou Little is another strong seamer. Kimli McDonald, Mhairi Nicoll and Anna Beale all also offer medium pace options, whilst there’s the potential for more spin from Zoe Bell and Forbes.

Kavanagh is looking forward to another hotly contested tie against their close rivals, and is hopeful that her side can continue some strong form from early in the season;

“We are delighted to be playing a home final at Sydney Parade. It is always a close fought contest against Merrion so we know whoever performs better on the day will win the Senior Cup.

We had 2 losses at the start of the season and since then have had a really good run of wins, so we go into this Friday feeling really confident as a squad. We have lots of players in excellent form at the moment and are excited to see them continue that form this Friday.”

Merrion meanwhile are hoping to see a welcome return for their regular skipper Niamh MacNulty, after she’s come back from 6 weeks on the sidelines through injury. They are however without a number of regular contributors, including one of their breakthrough players of the season in Annabel Squires. Bella Armstrong will lead the way in the PowerPlay with the bat, whilst Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell are two players who’s qualities are no unknown quantity to Pembroke going in to this tie. Isobel Joyce and wicketkeeper Ally Boucher round out the batting unit in what on paper looks to be a very capable side.

The bowling sees a likely opening pair of Síbha Bhoja’s seamers along with Armstrong’s off-breaks. Aoife Hayden is the other seamer in the side, which also features Aisling Lawlor’s leg-breaks, Ashwi Manoj’s off-spin and Leah Paul’s left-arm orthodox. The variety on offer in this game will be a major boost to skipper on the night Celeste Raack, who is hoping to see another good showing from her side;

“We’re looking forward to what we consider to be the most important match of the season for us. It’s always close between the two teams and is sure to be a great game. We’ve played Pembroke twice in the league so far and it’s been 1 win apiece.

Niamh MacNulty is returning to the side following a knee injury, which is brilliant for her, however, regular players Annabel Squires, Isabel Light and Aoife Brennan are all unavailable for this one.”

The cream always rises to the top in cup finals, and having threatened on so many occasions this season to go berserk at the top of the order for Merrion, Bella Armstrong will be the player they are looking to see kick on and make a real match-winning contribution in this game. Pembroke will equally look to their star-turn, Orla Prendergast, to get them on top early with the ball. If Prendergast can dismiss Armstrong in the PowerPlay, it will go a long way towards swinging the game in the host’s direction.

KEY BATTLE: Orla Prendergast vs Bella Armstrong