The first club youth competition of the season has been completed, with Merrion coming out on top.
The Gerry Duffy Cup is a T20 competition, established in 2006, and designed primarily to provide cricket for those in secondary school [Years 1 & 2] in June while the state exams are still going on.
It is played in two sections. Merrion and Railway came through the southern section which also included Leinster, Pembroke and YMCA. Clontarf and Malahide came from the northern section ahead of North County, Phoenix and The Hills. The four qualifying teams played in a Finals Day.
In the first semi final Railway Union overcame Malahide in a high scoring encounter at Park Avenue with nearly 450 runs scored in 40 overs.
At the same time Merrion beat Clontarf at Rathmines in the second semi final successfully chasing a score of 146. This meant the final would be an all South Dublin affair.
In the final Merrion batted first and scored 115 for 5 wickets, Daniel Forkin being the main contributor with 51 runs. Sean O 'Brien took 2 for 23 for Railway. In reply Railway made 110 for 6 from 20 overs. Philippe le Roux was the main run scorer for Railway with 57 and Sebastian Dijkstra taking 3 for 11. Thus Merrion were the victors with a 5 run win.
Brian O' Sullivan (former CL Youth Chairperson) was on hand to present the Merrion team with the Gerry Duffy trophy. Thanks to all teams, coaches , umpires and Leinster CC for hosting the final.
Merrion’s win, their first in the competition, breaks the hold that YMCA have had on the trophy for the past five years. Other previous winners are North County [3], Malahide [2] and Pembroke and Terenure once each.