As Leinster's premier club competition, the Senior Cup - sponsored by Conqueror - gets under way with six first round matches this Saturday, it's interesting to note the national team is not the only one to be hit by the withdrawal of leading players.

Clontarf, the holders, who also won the Senior League last season, will be without four players, including the captain and back-up wicket-keeper Ronan O'Reilly, for their home match against Malahide at Castle Avenue. The other absentees are Andy Cullen, Ali McIntosh and wicket-keeper Angus Hancock. The absence of Hancock and O'Reilly has resulted in an unexpected call-up for the veteran Fergus Carroll. Also brought into the breach are Johnny Barry and South African Craig Sinovich.

Malahide's morale should be boosted by the memory of their 83-run Lewis Traub League victory over Clontarf, also at Castle Avenue, a month ago. They will be without Phil Mackey and Andrew Smith for this encounter.

North County have yet to finalise their team for their home match against Dublin University.