Sport

North County look to O'Connor and Botha

A somewhat fortuitous third-round draw has meant that two Leinster clubs will make it to the semi-finals of the Irish Senior …

By KARL JOHNSTON
Sat Jun 23 2001 - 01:00

A somewhat fortuitous third-round draw has meant that two Leinster clubs will make it to the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup - sponsored by Royal Liver - to be played on August 11th.

In Saturday's programme, effectively the quarter-finals, North County and Merrion are at home to Malahide and The Hills, respectively, while up north Lisburn and Brigade enjoy home advantage against Cliftonville and Downpatrick.

Malahide have come badly unstuck of late after a succession of fine wins and the absence of their former Scotland all-rounder Jim Govan at Balrothery, who is not eligible, won't help their cause.

Still, Railway Union showed last week North County are not invincible. Skipper John Andrews will be hoping for good performances from Sean O'Connor and Andre Botha.

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Malahide have to leave out their professional Trevor Savage, while the experienced Brian Gilmore comes into the team, which should also be strengthened by the return of Alistair Dalton. Glen Kirwan has also been called up as Andy Smith stands down.

Merrion are at full strength for the visit of The Hills to Anglesea Road, and with Brad Spanner and Ed, Dom and Gus Joyce in action, look formidable. The Hills have Mark and Luke Clinton back after injury.

Meanwhile, the semi-finals line-up in the Leinster Senior 50 Overs League - sponsored by Lewis Traub - will be decided on Sunday when Phoenix take on Railway Union at home in the Park. Pembroke's decisive victory over Malahide last Tuesday earned them the top place in Section A and they will be at home to runners-up Merrion next Saturday in one semi-final.

North County topped Section B, which entitles them to home advantage in the other semifinal. But exactly who their opponents will be is a moot point. For if Phoenix win on Sunday, they will definitely go through to play North County. But should Railway Union upset the Phoenix applecart then Clontarf will earn their rights of passage to Balrothery.

Donemana's talented young opening bat William Porterfield has been named as captain of the Ireland under-17 squad for the ECC Tournament which will be held in Denmark from July 20th to 22nd next.