Some may think that the season doesn't really start until the 1st XIs in D1 and D2 begin their league campaign. But across the province cricketers have taken out the whites [in some cases probably a little mouldy and grey after sitting in the cricket bag all winter] and are embarking on a new season. Three league matches last weekend to ease in gently and another 8 this weekend. The highest grade match is the fixture between Merrion V and North County III in D6 at Anglesea Road. By the end of the weekend we will have made a start in leagues 6, 10, 11, 12 and 14.
There are also a number of friendlies this weekend with Clontarf at home to Instonians and Balbriggan travelling to Downpatrick [Sat]. Rush take on Railway in Kenure, and Malahide, Leinster and Merrion host northern teams on Sunday. Finally, Slieve Bloom have a friendly with Limerick today. So opportunity to make your first trip down to your local club to see how it has survived over the winter.
Despite some teething problems with the upload of photos the registration process has gone well and there are now over 2000 players registered for the current season. There is still some way to go but within a couple of weeks we will be able to get some initial indications of the changes since last season. Already there has been an amount of movement between clubs.
The Match Centre will be live this afternoon. Please get in updates on matches where possible and at the very least the result at the end of the day.