Sport

Pembroke make hard work of victory

THE COMBINATION of a low bouncing wicket and some early season rustiness made for pretty uninspiring viewing in the 50 overs …

By PETER O'REILLY
Mon May 06 1996 - 01:00

THE COMBINATION of a low bouncing wicket and some early season rustiness made for pretty uninspiring viewing in the 50 overs league at Sydney Parade yesterday. Pembroke eventually passed Merrion's 162 with four balls in hand but not before attempting to make a hames of it for the second day in succession.

At College Park on Saturday, they had lost just two wickets in getting half way towards Trinity's total of 151 when the middle order buckled against Conor Hoey's leg breaks. A similar scenario emerged yesterday evening. With 25 overs remaining, Ted Williamson and Peter Davy were well on their way at 97 for one before events turned after the drinks break.

Williamson lifted his head against Robbie Stanton and was clean bowled and then Ed Joyce's daisy cutter immediately accounted for Stuart McCready. Poor Brian O'Rourke had to donate his wicket when Davy pushed the ball straight to cover and ran. At 104 for four things were becoming frantic in the home dressing room.

John Davy is not used to coming in as high as number six but Trevor Dagg's absence means some added responsibility for the youngster. He coped fairly well yesterday, accompanying twin brother Peter to his half century before another shooter trapped him leg before. Merrion continued to battle but Pembroke were sufficiently determined not to allow another embarrassing cock up.

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After beginning their involvement in the Leinster league with a victory over Trinity, Cork County landed with a bump this weekend. Stephen Bailey was YM's unlikely hero on Saturday, scoring his maiden senior 50 to win the game in the final over, by just one wicket and then CY's seamers routed them for 86 yesterday. Only veteran skipper Paddy Tynan managed to resist for any length of time.

For CYM it was a far happier weekend. Coming into Saturday's Royal Liver Cup tie with Lurgan, their record was 0 from 3 but Eddie Moore's six wicket bag swung the game for them. Yesterday, the wickets were shared more evenly but Ken Brennan, home from university in England for the weekend, still stood out with 3 for 25.