After the first round of the Russell Court D1 League Leinster were on top, if only as one of four teams with a win. Two rounds later and a more familiar order has re-asserted itself with Clontarf in poll position with the remaining north side clubs one win behind. The Hills [who have a game in hand and were probably unlucky that their 3rd Round encounter with YMCA did not last the 20 overs for DLS to kick in] have established themselves as the main challenger to Clontarf, but it is probably the re-emergence of Phoenix as a team to be reckoned with that is the main feature of the league so far this year.
The south side clubs have not fared so well. They are of course missing Merrion from their ranks who may still have a say in the other competitoins, but in RCD1 no south side club has yet beaten a north side club. Excluding Cork County, the current score is 6 - 0 in favour of the north side.
It was a credit to grounds staff, umpires and players that despite some pretty awful weather yesterday three out of the four games reached a conclusion. Clontarf demolished Leinster, with overseas player Brad Barnes producing one of the fastest 100s of the year so far [67 balls]. The Clontarf total of 287 proved to be way beyond the capabilities of Leinster who were all out for 116 despite 41* from Peter Byrne batting at 10. Three wickets each from John Mooney [3/13] and Shariful Islam [3/7] did the damage. North County had more of a fight on their hands in the Mardyke in a game that was reduced to 33 overs. Cork never really got going and despite a not out 55 from captain Stephen Grobler, the total of 136 didn't look enough. And so it proved with NC winning by four wickets in the 26th over. For NC, Eddie Richardson [3/23] and Andrew Sheridan [3/27] were the pick of the bowlers. A quick mention also for Adam Coughlan who took 2/30 and in the process passed his 100 wicket mark in senior cricket.
The third game between Phoenix and Pembroke was headlined in the Preview as the pick of the round. Pembroke were absent their normal opening attack but they still had the two Phoenix openers out before the score had reached double figures. But then there was a century partnership between Rory Anders [100] and Nicolaas Pretorius [38] which swung the game decisively in favour of Phoenix. The total of 229 on another day might have looked a bit short but given the conditions it proved more than enough. For Pembroke Paul Lawson took 4/33. In the Pembroke innings nobody really got settled [Ryan Hopkins fought through for a 40*] and the highest partnership was 35. Ari Karvelas took 3/19. A very good win for Phoenix. Pembroke were short a number of players and will be stronger later in the season. But they have a lot to do if they are to pose a challenge for league honours.
The final match was between YMCA and The Hills. YMCA batted first and after a late start made 181/8 in 38 overs, mainly thanks to 76 from captain Jack Tector. When the rain finally put an end to proceedings The Hills were 49/0 off 12 and no doubt feeling a bit aggrevieved at their fate. The match will be replayed as a T20.
The 'unoffical' table is set out below. its unofficial nature is emphasised. The offical tables are to be found under Results and will not be put up until scorecards are submitted and approved.