Yesterday saw the start of the Division 1 women’s 20 over competition. With 4 games scheduled, the good old Irish weather played it’s part and only 2 took place. Early in the day Clontarf gave Leinster a walk over, not being able to field a team so early in the season highlights a few problems for Clontarf’s Captain Laura Cullen. Newly promoted, The Hills were to travel to YMCA for their opening game of the competition and wet weather conditions meant the pitch was unplayable, so the game will have to be re-fixed at a later date. Pembroke took off for North Kildare at 4.30pm for a 6pm start, and it seemed every person in the country was trying to get away for the weekend. Bad traffic meant that only 5 Pembroke players arrived on time, with North Kildare batting first. PCC took the field with their 5 players before coming off for rain. The first innings was reduced to 16 overs with North Kildare making 76 for the lose of 9. Louise McCarthy, Shauna Kavanagh and Ciara Metcalfe all picking up wickets. Pembroke’s opening betters Meg Kendal (back from NZ) and Shauna Kavanagh took off with the DL piece of paper in their pockets. Darkness was creeping in very fast and the rain was arriving fairly lively, the umpires decided to call the game after 5 overs which meant PCC won by 16 runs on DL. Meanwhile on the northside, Mary Waldron the newly appointed captain of Malahide welcomed Merrion in their opening game. With Clare Shillington moving to YMCA over the winter, Malahide had a task on their hands. Merrion won the toss and elected to bat - Isobel getting 36, Leah Paul getting 19 and Kate McKenna picking up 15. Malahide used 5 bowlers and restricted Merrion to 149 while picking up 6 wickets. 30+ Extras playing a huge part in their innings. Captain Mary Waldron and Marianne Herbert were the only scoring players for Malahide. Mary getting her first 50 of the 2014 season ending up on 62 not out, Marianne playing a role and getting 23 before being caught. Isobel Joyce took 3-15 off her 4 overs, with Leah Paul keeping and bowling well, there were lots of run outs for Merrion which saw them home early and winning easily by 27 runs. Next round of the Div 1 women’s competition, Thursday 15th May - Leinster V Malahide - Observatory Lane North Kildare V Merrion - The Maws Pembroke V YMCA - Sydney Parade The Hills V Clontarf - The Vineyard