With the early season break now behind us, all Division 1 women's teams will be hoping that they can get their season on track.
The three matches [all starting at 18.00] are:
WD1 Leinster 1 V Malahide 1 - Observatory Lane
WD1 Merrion 1 V The Hills 1 - Anglesea Road
WD1 Pembroke 1 V YMCA 1 - Sydney ParadeThis could be Leinster's year. A club who has invested heavily in their women's cricket, are bound to reap the benefits any year now. With several players including Laura Delany, Sophie McMahon, Amy Kenealy and Rebecca Stockell coming back of Irish duty, this team should hit the ground running.
Coach Rob O'Connor mentioned - "There is a great atmosphere in Leinster CC this season. We have more players that ever before and they have all been working hard over the winter, so everyone is excited to finally get going. Rebecca Rolfe returns after her time in London, to captain our 50 over games. Sophie MacMahon continues on as 20 over captain. With over 80% of our players under the age of 21 our priorities lie in development, but as always we will be aiming to bring some silverware back to Observatory Lane."
Malahide women's 1X are looking forward to the trip across the city to face one of the league favourites in Leinster. It will be a great test for their young talented side to see how far we've come against a side with plenty of International experience.
Mary Waldron mentioned - "With the new 50 over competition introduced, the T20 competition is a platform to really go out and play an exciting brand of cricket - which as a young squad we want to keep pushing upwards with our skills and inventiveness in this area."
Out in the Vineyard, the growth of women's cricket goes from strength to strength. The Hills women's cricket team will look to build on their mid table finish last year, and push forward maintaining their form. Katie Gurrey has joined THCC from New Zealand, and this will strengthen up their top order. Laura Boylan back of Irish duty, after 5 weeks away, should be inform with the bat and ball. Player/Coach Ciara Metcalfe mentioned - "It's a huge season ahead for all, we're really looking forward to this season. 50 over cricket is a hugely positive move from Cricket Leinster. Most players in the league have never played a women's 50 game, so i'm excited to see how the girls adapt their game, and learn from this summer's experience."
In 2017 Merrion will be going for their 3rd Senior Cup in a row and hoping to chase down the elusive T20 league title which YM have held for 2 years now. Merrion's efforts will be bolstered by both Leah Paul and Rachel Delaney winning their first senior Irish caps recently, as well as Isobel's big-bash experience.
Hannah deBurgh Whyte mentioned - "We are really excited for the first game vs the Hills. It's always an enjoyable fixture and it's nice to start with a home game! In addition to the young talent coming through, we'll be looking to the ever reliable Julianne Morrissey and Cecelia Joyce, as well as the exciting new addition of bowler Katelyn Fryett."
A young experienced YMCA team start their league campaign in Sydney Parade this Thursday in pursuit of their 3rd Div1 title in a row. They have one new addition to their side, Heidi Cheadle all the way from Sydney.
Captain Lucy O'Reilly had this to say ahead of their opener, "The girls are really looking forward to this season and aiming to retain the league for the third time in a row and win a cup final! Aoife Beggs has just picked up her first international cap whilst alongside Jenny Gray and Gaby Lewis they have gained some valuable experience along with Heidi from Sydney!"
Pembroke kick off their 2017 season against local rivals YMCA. They have lost two senior players in Louise McCarthy and Meg Kendal, however new Irish cap Louise Little will add some experience to their bowling attack.
An upbeat Shauna Kavanagh shared that "Division 1 debuts will go to Anna Beale and Pippa Cleary whilst Mhairi Nicoll will play her first game in the black and red. Tough contest first up but looking forward to what is a always a great game!"