On one of the few beautifully sunny days of the summer so far, Adamstown Educate Together National School played their first ever hardball cricket match.
One of the newest cricket grounds in the country, Adamstown CC’s beautiful Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, Southwest Dublin was the venue for the Adamstown ETNS’s challenge match vs Archbishop Ryan National School, last year’s Leprechaun Cup semi-finalists.
The match was made possible thanks to South Dublin County Council’s support of the Leinster Cricket Union’s development work in the region.
The match was preceded by several weeks of coaching visits to both schools from Cricket Ireland coach Andrew Leonard, who was impressed by the talent and potential in both schools - especially from children with no cricketing background of any kind.
Adamstown ETNS’s innings was set up by a fantastic 39-run second wicket partnership between Mohammed Malik & Kahsan Alam, but the late order collapse prevented Adamstown getting over the magic 100 mark, having been 80 for 5. A wonderful first over from Eoin Burke, which featured three clean bowled wickets, helped to bowl Adamstown all out in their last over for 93.
Balgaddy’s reply got off to the worst possible start losing their first wicket without a run on the board. But a good partnership between the mainstay of the Balgaddy Innings Joel Joseph, who ended with 21, and Emmanuel Lawal, who scored 10, put Balgaddy’s chase in a very good shape.
A middle order collapse thanks to some brilliant fast bowling from Kahsan Alam and the aptly named Dylan Cannon left Balgaddy on the brink at 54-7. Good lower order batting, though, from Sean Morris & Julian Marin gave Balgaddy hope, and it all came down to the last over bowled by Federico Tusaccini, 9 runs needed for Balgaddy but just 1 wicket needed for Adamstown.
Three runs from the first three balls left things in the balance, but a beautiful delivery knocked over Thomas Mortell’s middle stump to spark ecstatic celebrations among the Adamstown’s team, parents and teachers.
It is hoped in future years to get several more schools in the South Dublin County Council area playing hardball cricket, using the stunning Corkagh Park facility as a pathway to entering the highly successful Leprechaun Cup.
The feedback has been unanimously positive from children, parents and teachers alike from all schools visited in the region this year, with many children commenting upon how cricket had been by far the most enjoyable sport of their school year. This would not be possible without the support from the Sports and Recreation Department at South Dublin County council. Specifically a very special thanks to Alison Silke, Sports officer with South Dublin County Council for all her assistance and hard work.
Thursday, 23rd June
Adamstown ETNS won by six runs