THOUGHTS FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK (ISSUE 4)

This  issue which covers the first half of August  is slightly shorter than issue 3  because it covers a particularly wet period and also a period of a ‘slight indisposition’ on my part .However it does cover some big matches so herewith.

 MALE

2nd August

Leinster Lightening v Munster Reds (IP 50s). This was at the end of the IP 20  series of that week .A herculean Sydney Parade effort after torrential rain on Tuesday night saw a start  sharp on Weds .The Reds batting first amassed a fine total  pursued valiantly by  lightning – to no great avail as the latter had a disappointing Munster tour ruling out any victory in the overall competition .

5^th August

 The Finals Day  of The Leinster Senior Cup  (Sponsored By  Skellig  Six 18).

The President’s lunch for Patrons and Guests was held at 2pm rather than 3.15  but nonetheless was successful 

The cricket itself was not close which can often happen on a final day .Clontarf batting first  amassed over 300  Rasumparara(105) and captain Delaney (88 ).The Hills mustered 108/10  with a wonderful 5/84 from Hand – they could  not be blamed for failing to chase that large  total .Despite all this it was a good days cricket and there was no doubting the effort on both sides.

11^th August

Ongar v Merrion,( Adamstown CC .Gorky Park )

The Club Ground and the Park was an eye-opener and was enhanced by 3 tents for the occasion one a snack tent. The fortunes of both teams varied until the end when Merrion pushed through to win a thrilling victory

13th August  (1)Minor Cup final  Ongar  v Dundalk

                         (2)Junior Cup Final  DLR  2 v Hills 4

         1.This was an exciting match (although the DLS score  would  suggest otherwise.)Dundalk scored high 167/10  Jan  (35)and Singh (26)with (bowling Khan, 3/12 Baby 3/8 )Ongar replied with Natarajan (20) Shitole (10) and bowling  Khan 3/12 The DLS only allowed 44/10 for Ongar  gallant losers.

          2.Although the scores were nearer , the rain which interfered with previous match took the uncertainty and excitement out of it.Dundalk put up a masterful total  of 182/4 (Joshi (57)Bhat (85)-Bowling Shah,Sten and Connell I each The Hills chased well with O’Brien (29) and Shah (34) with bowlers Josh 2/31 and Bhat 3/30.Two very well matched teams with the more experienced DLR deservedly taking the laurels.

WOMAN

6^th August 

Division 4 Cup Final  LCC  W2 v. North Kildare W 1  Rain threatened (and came )frequently and led to 10 over (shortened) game.

Rachel Byrne starred for LCC guiding the team to victory although helped by the whole team whilst North Kildare drove hard for to make it an exciting finish .A great pleasure for me to do the presentation honours to my own club.Many thanks to Siobhain Mc Bennett and Rush for hosting – including a traditional tea for the everyone afterwards.

7^th Aug

Womans(1)  Minor Cup Final Clontaf 2 v  Rush 2 ( Sydney Parade)

                (2)     Womans  Senior Cup Final  Merrion v Pembroke. (“ )

 1. Batting first Rush ran up a very creditable 87/6 to be almost chased down by an equally creditable figure of 84/6 by Clontarf. Topping the batting for Rush were O’Donoghue (18)and Walsh(24)  Bowling Polly 2/19.Tarf on their courageous chase had Granger(16) and Polly (21)but tight Rush bowling (Jones2 /12 and Foley 2/8) saw Rush home.

2.The pattern of the Mens senior Final was repeated Merrion batting first got off to a flying start with Paul (59)Inglis (60) the only successful bowler being Little (1/9).Faced with the intimidating total of 165/2  Pembroke could only muster 60/10 with unplayable two young fast,fast mediuo bowlers  in The Merrion attack McNulty and Bhoja  with 3/13 and 3/12 respectiively. Pembroke did not give in easily . Despite the apparent one-sided nature of the game there was many pieces of good cricket  notably the magnificent batting by MCC but also the resistance by Pembroke against heavy odds .

Conclusion on Thoughts (Issue 4)

There were some other thoughts on the weather but they were not printable.! However what was printable was the competent handling of the uMpires of the sometimes appalling conditions Players  and Spectator have reason to be very grateful to that splendid group of men who move the game forward at every opportunity.                                                                 

 Till next Thoughtts

Pat Banahan  CL President (2023)                                       31^st August 2023