ANOTHER big weekend for Leinster - things are tough when you have an unbeaten run to maintain. Today, it's a Conqueror Cup quarter final in College Park and then back to Rathmines for a 50 Overs League semi final against YMCA tomorrow.
The second game is likely to provide the more searching test. As is usual towards the end of June, the Trinity side has been depleted. Seam bowlers Toby Cohen and Tim Campbell have headed home for the summer and so there is added responsibility on the shoulders of Conor Hoey and another returned graduate - Seamus Boylan. Even without the injured Alan Lewis, YMCA have one of their strongest selections so far this year, making Sunday's semi final the choicest fixture on offer.
The other semi final is between Old Belvedere and The Hills at Cabra, which should be another keenly contested affair. No predictions here either, I'm afraid.
Meanwhile, Malahide's Adele Spence is the only uncapped player named in the Irish women's squad to face the New Zealand tourists in three one day games next month. The games will play an important part in the squad's preparation for next year's World Cup in India and, judging by the Kiwis' performances against England (televised on Sky Sports 2 during the week), the Irish women will have a struggle on their hands.
The series of games will have particular significance for YMCA's Catherine O'Neill, who is originally from New Zealand. She is just one member of the squad who is enjoying the challenge of playing men's cricket on a regular basis. Last weekend, she took 2 for 24 from 22 consecutive overs of off spin for YM's fourth XI.
Others to have succeeded in the cross cricketing experiment are Ireland skipper Miriam Grealey who recently scored a match winning 40, also for YM fourths, and Barbara McDonald, who took 10 wickets in two games over the Bank Holiday for Malahide's fourths. Sue Brady, Clare O'Leary, Nikki Squire and Julie Logue are also playing regularly for men's sides.
. Following John Harty's generous sponsorship of the Leinster Senior League, now to be called the River House League, the Leinster Cricket Union president, Derek Brennan, recently announced a new sponsor for the mid week 20 over knock out cup. Notts Sports Ltd, who have provided artificial wickets for various clubs in Leinster, have made a commitment to this very popular competition.
