Last season Pembroke ended up seventh in D1 and were no doubt relieved that they did not have to take part in a shoot-out with a second placed D2 side [Trinity came second in D2 but could not try for promotion as they are unable to play a full season]. Avoidance of either of the last two spots in the league will no doubt be the first order of business for 2018 but better than that is certainly possible.

Pembroke have a young side with plenty of players who are improving each year. Even the younger players have a lot of experience at the top level with JJ Garth, Sanil Gupta, Josh Little and Diarmuid Tucker clocking up more than 100 senior games between them. There is also another generation emerging and Gavin Hoey, back from a term in school in South Africa, will certainly come into the reckoning for selection this year.

The backbone of the team is provided by bands of brothers - Andrew and Jack Balbirnie, Fiachra and Lorcan Tucker, the latter playing for Trinity in the first half of the season, and Paul and Theo Lawson. But the team will miss the experience of Ryan Hopkins who in the past provided a crucial all-rounder role. Their overseas player, Alex Ridley, from New Zealand fills an important gap in this regard.

The Pembroke bowling attack, with its mixture of pace and variety, will challenge any team in D1 and will certainly win them matches. It is their batting, however, that needs to perform well this year. Much will depend on Theo Lawson and Andrew Balbirnie [who both average over 30]. Pembroke will be hoping that international and interprovincial duties do not curtail Balbirnie’s appearances for the club. Lorcan Tucker’s return mid-season will relieve pressure on the batting.