So we finally come to the defining moments for D1 and D2. In the top Division Merrion take on YMCA and must win if they are to keep their hopes of a title alive. In D2 Cork County are in much the same position against Malahide and the title will in all probabilities go to whoever wins their head-to-head.
But first a quick mention of the RSA Irish Senior Cup Semi-Finals, which also take place today with Pembroke at home to Clontarf and The Hills travelling up the road to North Down. A preview of these matches is included on the Cricket Ireland site, which you can access from here.
The long awaiting clash between Merrion and YMCA sees the latter ahead on points and coming off a run of six successive wins in the league [the last team to beat them were Merrion]. Ably captained by Albert van der Merve they have become a hard team to beat [their last three wins were by 2Ws, 6Runs and 2Ws] and in a tight situation have the confidence to come out on top.
The last time the two teams met in the league Merrion had a relatively comfortable win but that was in the midst of their own purple patch. Since then Merrion have lost their way somewhat, losing two out of their last four matches. There were some glimpses of better bowling form last weekend in the abandoned match against The Hills but the batting hasn’t fired for some time. On home turf and with this being effectively their cup final, this may be the time. If Merrion win the league isn’t over, they would probably need to win their remaining games against The Hills and Clontarf. If YMCA win the league is all but done and dusted.
The other match in D1 provides Railway [who play Terenure] with the opportunity to move above North County [with whom they are currently equal on points] and The Hills. It has been something of a roller coaster season for the Park Avenue side and after a good start they were soon in trouble and by mid season were most pundits favourites to take the second relegation spot. Thanks mainly to the batting of Kenny Carroll they now have a clear pathway to survival. Victory against Terenure today [and some good bonus points] would mean that they go into the final match of the season against North County with every chance of staying up. With Pat Collins returning to the side after injury and Kevin O’Brien back from his travels they can also call on their strongest side for some time. For Terenure, however, it is too late and despite some better results of late they will be playing D2 cricket next season.
In D2 Malahide travel to Cork to decide who shall go up as winners of the division. Malahide are already guaranteed promotion and only the mathematicians can deny Cork County. But it will be the title that the two clubs are fighting over today. Last time around Cork County had the better of Malahide but really with match winners available to both teams it is anyone’s game.
There are three other matches in D2, Leinster taken on Pembroke II, Merrion II travel to Rush and Phoenix entertain Balbriggan. Such is the league table that these fixtures are very unlikely to have any bearing on the relegation and promotion spots.
Weather forecast for the day is good. Cool but only scattered showers and some sunny spells.
Teams [as supplied]
Railway: K O’Brien, C Diveney, K Carroll, P Collins, P Conliffe, R Gaur, D Kapoor, G Lambert, M Tariq, T Townsend, S Ulla.
Leinster: C Mallon, J Carroll, G Delany, B Azhar, P Johnston, R Keneally, J Kerrison, D Lucas, R Forrest, H MacDonnell, JP O’Dwyer.