SPRINT COATINGS SENIOR CUP SEMI FINALS - WINS FOR CLONTARF AND MERRION

A really well contested semi final in Sydney Parade saw Clontarf make their way to the Final thanks to a spectacular unbeaten century from Bhavi Devchand.

Earlier Pembroke batted first and set what appeared to be a competitive total of 186, thanks in the main to 59 from Louise Little and 45 from Claire Shillington. Late innings runs from Shauna Kavanagh (39 from 31) and a healthy contribution from the extras left Pembroke happy with their lot at the end of the first innings.

Emma Butler (1/23 off 4) and Christina Coulter-Reilly (1/19 off 4) were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply Bhavi and Christina started strongly and put on 104 for the first wicket. When Christina was stumped by Shauna Kavanagh the new batter, Aoife Brennan, played a great support innings to Bhavi in compiling 21 off 18 balls.

But this was Bhavi's day and her innings that saw Clontarf chase the total with more than an over to spare and seal their place in the Sprint Coatings Senior Cup Final on August 1st in Sydney Parade.

The other match this evening saw YMCA host Merrion. YMCA batted first and made 132/6, Georgina Dempsey the top scorer with 63. Best of the bowling was Julianne Morrissey with 2/41 including the prize wickets of Gaby Lewis and Georgina Dempsey.

In reply Merrion batted sensibly with opener Leah Paul making 48 off 36 balls and fellow internationl Rachel Delaney 32* off 26 balls. A healthy 32 extras also made things easier and they won with 4 overs to spare. Georgina was the best of the bowlers with 1/15 off 3 overs.

So congratulations to Merrion and Clontarf who will play in the Sprint Coatings Senior Cup Final on August 1st