Cricket News: It's quarter-finals day in the Leinster Senior Cup and the game of the round between Clontarf and North County at Castle Avenue holds centre stage. This is a repeat of last year's final, a game that County won convincingly, and if logic dictated the result of cricket matches, then surely Clontarf would come second again this time around.
Current internationals Eoin Morgan and Paul Mooney are back for County after being sidelined through injury. Talented Kiwi Seán O'Connor is also back after spending the last couple of months at home in New Zealand and with the usual assortment of Mooneys, Armstrongs and South Africans, it looks like a tough assignment for Clontarf.
That said, on their day, 'Tarf have the beating of most sides. Trent Johnston is in fine form of late, particularly with the bat, and with the ever-dependable all-rounders Alex Cusack and Greg Molins in the fray, they cannot be dismissed.
James Flynn has been selected ahead of Conor D'arcy to bolster the attack but it is certainly a tough assignment against what is probably the best club side in Ireland.
In other games, YMCA welcome back Alan Lewis after injury for their tie with CYM in the Clee. Angus Dunlop is also back in for CYM after missing last week's league defeat to Rush while CYM will be without their opening bowler, Ken Brennan.
Elsewhere, Phoenix have a tough trip to Kenure to take on Rush. Reason would suggest an away win but if Sadat Gull, Nasseer Shaukat and young wicket-keeper/batsman Fintan McAllister get going with the bat, not to mention Shahid Iqbal with the ball, it could be very close.
At Malahide, Merrion will be without their university-tied players, Dom Joyce and Peter and John Blakeney so a home win is the more likely outcome.
Meanwhile, Sunday is an important day for some clubs in Section A of the Lewis Hohn Williams League with three teams fighting it out for the two remaining places in the semi-finals.
Pembroke have called in Graham Toomey to cover for Matthew Tighe, who is sitting his Leaving Cert, for their must-win game against Clontarf. Malahide take on Rush and also must win if they are to be sure of taking any further part in the competition.
