SPRINT COATINGS SENIOR CUP FINAL PREVIEW - A NEW NAME ON THE CUP!
The Sprint Coatings Senior Cup takes place tomorrow afternoon, and for the first time in the competition's history, the name of either Phoenix or The Hills will be added to the trophy, as 2024 Champions.
Phoenix's run to the final has included victories over both Clontarf and Merrion, with Gaby Lewis having made scores of 104 and 110 in those fixtures respectively. She's the clear class act with the bat in the side and will lead the way once again. They are without their other destructive opener Georgina Dempsey, who has been ruled out of this fixture as well as the upcoming international series' with a knee issue. Síuin Woods is the keeper and she'll be crucial with the bat, alongside former skipper Nevedha Saravanarajan and their pair of seam-bowling all-rounders in Zara Craig, and new international call-up Alice Tector.
With the ball, Tector will lead the way along with current skipper Ali Keenan, whilst they have a strong leg-spin option in Arisha Foysal. Sophie McDonough was their semi-final hero, and will also be supported by Juliet Gargan and Rhea Nair, who will both come into the game in good form having, along with spinner Foysal, all bowled very good spells in this afternoon's Division Four Cup Final.
The Hills meanwhile seen their route to the final pass through a dominant performance in round one in Balbriggan, before inflicting the only defeat of the season on the league leaders Pembroke in the semi-final. Tahlia Dunne was the hero with the bat in the semi-final, with that win also seeing contributions from Rebecca Gough and Clidhna O'Reardon. Aimee Maguire missed the semi-final however she was the top scorer in the first round, with their strong batting unit rounded out by Lara McBride, Jane Maguire and their overseas player Elise Noble.
With the ball, the Maguire sisters have struck up a brilliant opening partnership of late, and will be looking to continue their strong form in the PowerPlay. Left-arm spinner Aimee comes into this game off the back of a brilliant Super Series 6-for this afternoon, and her wicket-taking prowess along with Jane's movement off the pitch and through the air makes them a real threat. Rebecca Gough, Tara O'Brien and Chloe Ericson are the other seamers in the side, which make up a strong all-round attack when they are combined with their three spinners, the aforementioned Aimee Maguire, and pair of off-break bowlers in McBride and Noble.
Gaby Lewis hasn't failed to score a century as yet in this season's competition, and you feel that if The Hills are to win this fixture, they will need to be the team that stops her. If Aimee Maguire can continue her fine form and dismiss the Phoenix opener, it could give The Hills a massive early advantage.
KEY BATTLE: Gaby Lewis vs Aimee Maguire