THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK (ISSUE 4)
This issue which covers the first half of August is slightly shorter than issue 3 because it covers a particularly wet period and also a period of a ‘slight indisposition’ on my part .However it does cover some big matches so herewith.
MALE
2nd August
Leinster Lightening v Munster Reds (IP 50s). This was at the end of the IP 20 series of that week .A herculean Sydney Parade effort after torrential rain on Tuesday night saw a start sharp on Weds .The Reds batting first amassed a fine total pursued valiantly by lightning – to no great avail as the latter had a disappointing Munster tour ruling out any victory in the overall competition .
5th August
The Finals Day of The Leinster Senior Cup (Sponsored By Skellig Six 18).
The President’s lunch for Patrons and Guests was held at 2pm rather than 3.15 but nonetheless was successful
The cricket itself was not close which can often happen on a final day .Clontarf batting first amassed over 300 Rasumparara(105) and captain Delaney (88 ).The Hills mustered 108/10 with a wonderful 5/84 from Hand – they could not be blamed for failing to chase that large total .Despite all this it was a good days cricket and there was no doubting the effort on both sides.
11th August
Ongar v Merrion,( Adamstown CC .Gorky Park )
The Club Ground and the Park was an eye-opener and was enhanced by 3 tents for the occasion one a snack tent. The fortunes of both teams varied until the end when Merrion pushed through to win a thrilling victory
13th August (1)Minor Cup final Ongar v Dundalk
(2)Junior Cup Final DLR 2 v Hills 4
1.This was an exciting match (although the DLS score would suggest otherwise.)Dundalk scored high 167/10 Jan (35)and Singh (26)with (bowling Khan, 3/12 Baby 3/8 )Ongar replied with Natarajan (20) Shitole (10) and bowling Khan 3/12 The DLS only allowed 44/10 for Ongar gallant losers.
2.Although the scores were nearer , the rain which interfered with previous match took the uncertainty and excitement out of it.Dundalk put up a masterful total of 182/4 (Joshi (57)Bhat (85)-Bowling Shah,Sten and Connell I each The Hills chased well with O’Brien (29) and Shah (34) with bowlers Josh 2/31 and Bhat 3/30.Two very well matched teams with the more experienced DLR deservedly taking the laurels.
WOMAN
6th August
Division 4 Cup Final LCC W2 v. North Kildare W 1 Rain threatened (and came )frequently and led to 10 over (shortened) game.
Rachel Byrne starred for LCC guiding the team to victory although helped by the whole team whilst North Kildare drove hard for to make it an exciting finish .A great pleasure for me to do the presentation honours to my own club.Many thanks to Siobhain Mc Bennett and Rush for hosting – including a traditional tea for the everyone afterwards.
7th Aug
Womans(1) Minor Cup Final Clontaf 2 v Rush 2 ( Sydney Parade)
(2) Womans Senior Cup Final Merrion v Pembroke. (“ )
1. Batting first Rush ran up a very creditable 87/6 to be almost chased down by an equally creditable figure of 84/6 by Clontarf. Topping the batting for Rush were O’Donoghue (18)and Walsh(24) Bowling Polly 2/19.Tarf on their courageous chase had Granger(16) and Polly (21)but tight Rush bowling (Jones2 /12 and Foley 2/8) saw Rush home.
2.The pattern of the Mens senior Final was repeated Merrion batting first got off to a flying start with Paul (59)Inglis (60) the only successful bowler being Little (1/9).Faced with the intimidating total of 165/2 Pembroke could only muster 60/10 with unplayable two young fast,fast mediuo bowlers in The Merrion attack McNulty and Bhoja with 3/13 and 3/12 respectiively. Pembroke did not give in easily . Despite the apparent one-sided nature of the game there was many pieces of good cricket notably the magnificent batting by MCC but also the resistance by Pembroke against heavy odds .
Conclusion on Thoughts (Issue 4)
There were some other thoughts on the weather but they were not printable.! However what was printable was the competent handling of the uMpires of the sometimes appalling conditions Players and Spectator have reason to be very grateful to that splendid group of men who move the game forward at every opportunity.
Till next Thoughtts
Pat Banahan CL President (2023) 31st August 2023
