The 2014 season started quietly last weekend with two league matches and wins for Lucan against Cabinteely in D11 and for Railway Union 5th against Clontarf 5th in D10. Arijit Mustafi from Lucan has the distinction of being the first player to take a five-wicket haul this season. Unfortunately there are no details from the Railway match beyond the result so we cannot say if anyone achieved the first 50.
This weekend sees more action but the big guns in D1 and D2 do not start for another week. In all there are 11 matches scheduled [there have been a number of postponements so check the website] so plenty to see for anyone out and about. Check out the RSA [Live Scores] Match Centre for information during the day.
There are plenty of Friendlies scheduled as well and most of the D1 and D2 clubs have an outing over the weekend. Early season friendlies are a poor guide to form so not too much will be read into them. Of greater interest may be the Betting Form Book, which sees Merrion installed as early season favourites for the league title [surely the kiss of death].
The full odds are as follows:
Merrion 2/1
The Hills 5/2
Clontarf 7/2
N County 11/2
YMCA 6/1
Pembroke 10/1
Railway 10/1
Terenure 16/1
There will be a full review of the season prospects for D1 / D2 next week with an update on new signings and player movements.