Mark Collier

After last weekend’s Cricket Palozza where some went our way and some didn’t we have another big one coming up.

First the 3rds, last Friday they went to Leinster and came back with a 2 wicket win thanks to a tour de force from Cormac Devilly. Going in at 24 for 4 he batted through for 34 not out with Ian Smilie (30) and Aido Mc (20 odd not) scoring quickly and keeping us on tract. The 3rds remain 2nd in the league and have opened the gap to 3rd and closed the gap to 1st (Longford). They have a huge away to unbeaten Longford which will either settle the league or really open it up.

But this Saturday, it’s the Cup. The Cup Semi-final at that! YMCA 3rds travel across the bridge for a 1pm start. YM are also in the same league and have been going well. They are a young team with plenty of talent. This (for me) is the game of the weekend. The forecast is good and your support would be appreciated.

Also on Saturday are the AMC 20-20 Bash Final Day. After a good win in the ¼’s last night against North County we’ll be the second semi-final against YMCA. The day starts in Pembroke at about 10.30am. Take a look at the video for an idea of what might be instore. 

Sunday is somewhat busier with 3 teams togging out and the Presidents Lunch (contact Stella to book).

First up are the 2nds with what feels like their first league match since Surf was a boy!! Our 2nds have not been without cricket though. They are through to the Leinster Senior 2 Cup final on July 30th and in Clontarf!! So chalk that date into your calendar. They also made it to the T20 final played last Sunday which saw them unfortunately come second to a clinical display from Leinster 2nds. Congratulations to Leinster on their dissevered win.

The start to the league campaign (according to historical documents) has been mixed, but now its business time. Pembroke are paying the bridge toll this time. Clontarf 2nds V Pembroke 2nds are always good games and next to impossible to call. You’ll have to come down at 1pm to find out.

Our League leading 4ths will be paying their toll as they travel to Pembroke to take on their 4ths. The 4ths are playing some great cricket at the moment. They travelled to the Hills last week and returned with 25 point and Peppers also brought home no less than 6 for 11 off 4!! They’ll be staring at 1pm.

Now to the peoples team, the 5ths! The 5ths as we know have been on fire. Last Sunday them hosted league leaders Merrion 6th’s who showed why they are league leaders. After Merrion posted 230 in 40 overs Clontarf set about the chase, but despite 50 from Shaf and 85 from Jack McNiece they fell just short, losing by 11 runs. This Sunday sees the return fixture. Judging by last week this one has to be in the mix for game of the day.

Finally on Wednesday the 6ths host new club Gorey in the Bull Ring at 1pm. There’s been no let-up from these guys as they aim for another promotion.

Now, we’re heading in to business time for the club and this weekend is a hugely important one through all levels so buckle up, this is a long one

First up we have a Friday treat. The 3nds (currently 2^nd in the league) have an away game on Friday at 1pm in Rathmines against Leinster 3rds

Then it is quite simply Cupaplaozza for Saturday and Sunday with a couple of league games thrown in for good measure

So, lets talk cups and the 2nds. Saturday sees them head to the Royal county to visit Knockharly in the Leinster Senior Cup semi-final. Knockharly might be a league below them, but they are at home and the rise through the leagues over recent years has been incredible. Its not that long ago #FrankiesArmy were playing them. Their ground has seen similar improvements and if you can make it, it’s worth the 45 min drive

On Sunday they head to the seriously traffic restricted Civil Service to take on Leinster 2^nd in the Final for the 20 overs cup. They won this last year, can they do it again??? This I believe will be a 4pm start

Now to the Firsts. On Saturday in the Bull Ring the Firsts host Phoenix in a top of the table clash at 1pm. As we said at the start, its business time and every game holds huge significance. This will be massive

On we go to Sunday and the Leinster Senior Cup Semi-final in Merrion. Merrion have been blazing a trail of destruction through division 2 which if you know who’s in their team will come as no surprise. Like Saturday, this is another big challenge for us in a cup we have a love affair with (at least when it was 60 overs)

And the Firsts aren’t done yet!! The Quarter Final of the AMC 20-20 Bash will be in the Bull Ring, it will be against North County, it will be at 6pm and the Weather will be good. You may remember the County beat us in a 20-20 earlier this season, this is another cracker

Still on Saturday and another big cup game. The 6ths are in Mount Temple hosting Laois 3rds in the Jr. Cup quarter finals. Now fans will know they are aiming for the hat trick of cup finals but a first win. No better day to keep the dream alive. In the words of Ricky Bobby, If you can dream it, you can do it

On Sunday the 5ths are at home in the Bull Ring at 1pm. The 5ths are on a great run with 5 wins on a row and some performances from the young players that have been incredible, as well as some of the “older” guys doing the business with bat and ball. This time they face a strong Merrion team who are currently top of the league. With back to back Merrion games, this will go a long way to sustaining a league challenge.

Lastly to the 4ths. They are due to travel to The Hills on Saturday for a league game at 1pm. The 4ths are top, the Hills are there or there abouts, but as I type there’s some doubt about this game being on. Keep an eye here for updates

This week you are spoilt for choice, I’m sure I’ll catch you at a few of these games

Best of luck all, every game holds a prize