Ireland domestic cricket review (21 Jun 1999)

21 June 1999

Ireland domestic cricket review

The second round of matches in the Ireland's Inter-Provincial tournament last weekend saw Leinster going to the top of the table. Following their fine win over the Northern Cricket Union, they did it again, beating the North West Union by 67 runs at Malahide.

Batting first, and despite a rain interruption, they reached 261 for 6 after the 44 overs they were finally allotted. Star of the show was Peter Davy of Pembroke who scored 106, with 14 fours and two sixes. This knock must surely put him in line for a recall to the Irish team, if not for the NatWest Trophy match against Leicestershire next week, then surely for the Triple Crown Tournament at the end of the month. He was ably supported by the Joyce brothers, Ed and Gus, who open the innings and scored 43 and 30 respectively, and 45 from Barry Archer. The early dismissals of Mark Olphert for 1 and star batsman Stephen Smyth for 24, bowled by Davys twin brother John, meant that North West were never really in the hunt despite solid contributions by Gordon Cooke (34) and skipper Peter Gillespie (29).

Leinster now have one remaining match against Munster. Munster, so often regarded as the Cinderella Province, recorded a notable victory against the Northern Cricket Union. NCU batted first and posted 258-5 in their 50 Overs, the main contributors being Neil Carson with 50 and newcomer G.Morrison with 67. Munster's reply owed most to their three Dublin based players, although two of them learned their cricket in Cork. Ted Williamson, skipper, led off with a captains innings in scoring 66, and enjoyed an opening partnership of 129 with Jamie Carnegie (55). The third Dublin based member of the side was Mark Barriscale who weighed in with 47, bringing Munster home by 3 wickets with a total of 262-7. Best of the NCU bowlers was Neil Carson with 3-30.

The position now, with one round of matches remaining, is that Leinster have two wins, Munster and the North West one each. Leinster's remaining match is in Cork on 4th July. Clearly, if they win that they win the tournament. However, if Munster can cause another upset, and who is to say they won't, then North West can join Munster and Leinster on two wins each if they can win their last match over NCU, presently marooned at the bottom of the table with 0 points.

In Leinster the second round of the cup resulted in wins for The Hills, Pembroke, Clontarf and Railway Union (perhaps the surprise with a 10 wicket win over Merrion who have started the season so well). The semi finals are down for decision on 26th June. The first league of the season has also reached the semi final stage with these to be played the following day, 27th June. The semi-finalists here are Merrion against Leinster and Pembroke against Clontarf - the latter two are going to have a very busy weekend.

Next week sees the third round of the Irish Senior Cup.