There is only one team that cannot improve on its league position from last season and that is Leinster. Not tipped for honours by many [any?] they were the surprise package of last season and had a great run of wins through the second half of the season to clinch the title. But 2018 is a fresh season and like everyone else they will be chasing honours while at the same time trying to contain the anxiety that even a couple of losses can bring.

Leinster go into the new season with most of last year’s squad available. They do not have an overseas player this season but against that they will have George Dockrell available from the start of the year. He is also captaining the side.

Success last year was built on an excellent team effort. Six players took 15 or more wickets, led by Joe Carroll who took 31 at an excellent average of 11.61. Gareth Delany led the batting, topping 500 runs, but with good support from Dockrell [in only half the matches] and Craig Mallon who both made over 400. Carroll also contributed strongly with the bat but thereafter the runs were scarce and the lack of depth in the batting line-up will be a cause for concern if Leinster are to repeat their performances of last year.