CRICKET/Preview: After a leisurely start to the season for some clubs, the Lewis Hohn Williams League is well and truly in business this weekend with all sides in action and four having the pleasure of double headers, writes James Fitzgerald
Despite fielding a useful side again this year, Clontarf have not started their Section A campaign as confidently as their talents might suggest. Last week's performance against Malahide was disappointing for them, particularly in the field, with no fewer than six catches being spilled and 50 extras given away.
For today's game against Merrion at Castle Avenue, they will be without left-arm spinner Greg Molins due to a hamstring injury that has also forced him to withdraw from the North Leinster squad for next weekend's regional challenge match against South Leinster.
Elsewhere, Rush host Railway Union while leaders Pembroke take on Old Belvedere at Sydney Parade. Pembroke have come out of the blocks flying this year with three wins out of three. Their overseas player, Henri Fourie from South Africa, has already earned his keep with 112 (off just 85 balls) against Rush last week.
On Sunday, Malahide will want to keep qualifying hopes alive as they visit Park Avenue as guests of Railway Union.
The big game in Section B will be at the Park, where unbeaten Phoenix take on The Hills.
After losing last week to YMCA, The Hills will know that in order to qualify for the semi-finals, they will need to take something away from Phoenix, who have probably the strongest batting line-up in the country.
Openers Jeremy Bray and Jason Molins (the only Irish-born player in the team, incidentally) put on 103 for the first wicket against Surrey for Ireland during the week so, while Luke Clinton is bowling very well for The Hills these days, they will hardly feel overly nervous today.
North County play Leinster today and YMCA on Sunday, both at home. Having lost to Phoenix, County will feel these are games they must win to keep the pressure on the table toppers.
YMCA had a solid win over The Hills last week, with captain Carl Hosford staking his claim for a South Leinster place by scoring a fine 87. The Sandymount side will be without veteran Alan Lewis, who is on rugby refereeing duty, for their trip to CYM today.
On Sunday, Dublin University will entertain CYM at College Park, each side still looking for their first league win of the season. Play starts in all games this weekend at 12.30 pm.
Following their victory over Surrey in the second round of the C & G Trophy Ireland will play Northampton in the third round on Sunday, May 30th, at Dublin's Castle Avenue (10.45 am). Tickets, available from the Irish Cricket Union, are 15 (adults), €10 (ICU members) and €7.50 (under-16s and senior citizens). For further ticket information ring (01) 6251170.
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Saturday - Lewis Hohn Williams League Section A: Clontarf v Merrion, Rush v Railway Union, Pembroke v Old Belvedere. Section B: CYM v YMCA, North County v Leinster, Phoenix v The Hills.
Sunday - Lewis Hohn Williams League Section A: Railway Union v Malahide. Section B: North County v YMCA, Dublin University v CYM.
