Leinster will be looking to the vastly experienced Henderson Wallace to provide the inspiration when they take on Malahide in the final of the Conqueror Leinster Senior Cup at Sydney Parade today (11.0).
After a stint of 14 seasons with Eglinton in the North, Wallace came South to join up with Leinster this season and so far has made a telling impact with bat and ball.
He currently has a batting average of 48.3 runs, and his bowling figures are also impressive with a haul of 33 wickets at a cost of 8.97 runs. However even a well oiled machine must have an occasional hiccup and of course Malahide must be hoping that the inevitable interruption in form that comes to every player will occur to-day. Yet even if Wallace fails there is no guarantee that such would be sufficient to win the match for Malahide.
There is plenty of talent on the Rathmines side notably opening bat Joe Byrne only survivor from their last success under David Kent in 1985, his younger brothers John E a dashing and dangerous batsman, and Peter no mean bat but also a skillful left arm slow bowler could play key roles in the performance of the side.
Add in captain Mark Jones a robust batsman, opening bowler Ray McDonnell who has contributed a number of outstanding figures in recent weeks, and also off spinner John Craven and overall Leinster look very well equipped for the contest.
Malahide however go into battle on the crest of a consistent winning wave this season including outright success in the Leinster 50 overs league in June. Helped by some significant new signings they are showing signs of recapturing some of their great past glory years.
Astute coach Ray Daly who was on the Malahide side that last captured the Cup in 1971 also must be credited with revitalising the side. Brian Gilmore an astute captain and tactician will certainly have his side wound up for an all round effort and the determination is there to win out. They have the armoury to make a worthwhile total batting first or successfully chase whatever target is set them.
The support Gilmore can expect from free scoring Australian Michael Morson, the fluent stroke play of Adrian Barnard a 19 year old from South Africa who has a century to his name this season, Darren and Conor Armstrong and David McGeehan can be substantial.
In terms of bowling they may not be quite as potent as their opponents nevertheless Gilmore himself, Barnard, Nick Riches, Anto Weir, Damien Ryan along with Conor Armstrong and promising slow left arm bowler teenager Stephen Smith who won the player of the match award in the semi-final against Merrion represent a varied blend.
Whatever about the relative strengths of the sides it cannot be denied that their respective paths to the decider have been built on hard graft along with enthusiasm and aggression in the field and augurs well for a good contest today.
