THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK (Issue 2)

For ease of reading (and writing!), I have simply laid out events in chronological date order split male and female.

Men’s Cricket

The long awaited LHK Group Senior Men’s 20/20 Finals Day took place on 27th May with 2 excellent semi-finals in the morning producing the contestants for the Final - Balbriggan & The Hills. The break of two hours between the semi-finals and the Final allowed for the successful CL Patrons Tea which had to be digested along with not-so digested few words from the President who hosted it!

Addressing the CL Patron’s Tea – Saturday 27^th May (Sydney Parade)

As often happens the actual Final was outshone by both the Semis. The batting was excellent in the Final with Balbriggan winning their first Senior T20 Trophy by 59 runs.

Presenting the Alan Murray Cup to Balbriggan Captain (Greg Ford)

The next match (for me) was on Saturday 3rd June at Castle Avenue where Clontarf entertained Malahide in the IBI Corporate Finance Premier League. The ground was in magnificent condition (all praise to head groundsman Bryan McDermott) and yielded huge totals. However, the centurion for Malahide probably tipped the scales in favour of the villagers. Clontarf President Susan Bray was her usual harming self and presided over some lovely hospitality.

The next day (Sunday 4th June) saw the second round fixtures in the Irish Senior & National Cups – with Leinster CC hosting CIYMS from Belfast at Observatory Lane. The home crowd were about to crack open the champagne after they had batted first but got a shock when the CI men came dangerously close to achieving a successful chase.

I travelled to Malahide on Saturday 10th June and was greeted by Club President (Babs McDonald). Peter  Peter Francis was amongst the wickets for Leinster, no doubt encouraged by the presence of his parents from Australia. He also made an unbeaten 35 with the bat as Leinster travelled home with the spoils.

My next trip was down to the lush outfield of Anglesea Road on Sunday 11th June where Merrion were hosting YMCA in the Irish Senior Cup fixture which had to be abandoned previously at Claremont Road.

As it happened, two-times winners Merrion advanced safely to the quarter-finals as the made light work of a potentially tricky 249 target in this replayed match - Swapnil Modgill and Sam Harbinson quickly took the contest away from YM as Modgill made a brilliant 112 from 98 balls (13 fours, 4 sixes), adding 134 in 23 overs with Harbinson whose undefeated 92 included 7 fours and a six.

The following Saturday (17th), I travelled to Kenure where Rush were hosting Pembroke in the IBI Corporate Championship. The visitors posted an imposing total (314/7) with half-centuries from Theo Lawson, JJ Garth, Gavin Hoey and Fiachra Tucker. The wisdom of Rush (in the body of my genial host, Matt Sheridan) felt it might be too much to chase and so it was despite a brilliant 97 off 51 balls by Neil Rock.

On the Sunday (18th June), I was back on ‘home’ soil to see Leinster edge past Phoenix in the Quarter-Final of the Irish Senior Cup although not without a worrying rear guard action from the Phoenix lower order batsmen. Top marks for the large turnout from both clubs and to Leinster CC President, Paul Delany who hosted a most enjoyable tea.

The following Saturday (24th), I was travelled to Balbriggan for their IBI Corporate Finance Premier League clash with Leinster. The visitors first five batsman put on the majority of the 252 runs but were also restricted by the fine off spin bowling of Balbriggan’s Kashif Ali who took an admirable “6 for 52”.  The home side batted well with numbers 10 and 11 lasting 4 overs to win by one wicket. Despite the loss, the visiting team and the CL President were cheered up by the hospitality of Balbriggan stalwart, Albert Harper and his support team which included Lara Maritz.

Thoroughly enjoyable day at Balbriggan (even though Leinster lost!)

That concludes my progress report on Men’s cricket during June - exciting run filled days with a backdrop of glorious sunshine. Cheer up - I will be back to entertain you further in July - the start of the Finals season!

A word of thanks to Eric Powell of Leinster CC who early on in the season agreed to be my swing man and has done a great job in the season so far – well done Eric (he has also become a CL patron!).

CL President (Pat Banahan) with his special advisor (Eric Powell)

Women’s Cricket

On bank holiday Monday 5th June, I attended the Super Series T20 decider between the Scorchers and the Typhoons at Oakhill. The latter could only amass 103 and the Scorchers chased it for loss of just 4 wickets. Despite the unevenness of the scores, it was a competitive match. The best bowlers on each side were two under 16 girls which alone vindicates the Super 3s format.

On Thursday 8th June, I was on ‘home’ soil for the Sprint Coatings Division One match to see Phoenix women playing at Rathmines – as it happened, the home side ran out easy winners on the evening by 9 wickets. Phoenix had a match-winner in their new club coach, Claire Terblanche who scored 43 in a largely solo effort. A good partnership between Rebecca Rolfe (59*) and Laura Delany (28*) ensured the easy victory for Leinster.

The following Thursday (15th), Leinster secured an important Sprint Coatings Division One win against a Pembroke side (with three Internationals on either side). The Pembroke innings was built around solid knocks for Clare Shillington and Mary Waldron which were matched by equally important contributions by Laura Delany and Sophie MacMahon for the home side who eventually prevailed by 5 wickets with just 4 balls to spare.

With that I conclude my thoughts on women’s cricket during June – I want to reassure all those who are shedding a gentle tear that I will be back with more thoughts in July!

As you can see above, it can be lonely at the top!

As always, it is my privilege to serve.

Pat Banahan CL President (2023) 30June 2023