First, a reminder. Today's semi-finals of the Leinster Senior 50 Overs League at Sydney Parade and Balrothery start at noon, an hour earlier than usual.
Phoenix are the holders, and should Jeremy Bray and his men overturn North County at Balrothery, they will have the advantage of playing the final at home in the Park, on Saturday July 7th. The team will hardly be lacking in confidence, following their decisive Section A victory over Railway Union last Sunday.
In that match Bray made 96 not out, Anu Bhandari contributed 54, and earlier, when Railway batted first, Sean Bray took 3 for 23 with Gary Black capturing 2 for 24. This time around, there are a few changes in the Phoenix line-up, as Jamie Carnegie returns after exams and Imran Masood gets a recall to first XI duty while Paddy Conliffe steps down.
Until now, Masood has been lining out with the Phoenix Senior 2 side. But recent good performances earned him promotion.
North County will certainly miss Paul Mooney, on ICC duty with Ireland in Toronto, and Sean O'Connor is also absent. Cian Armstrong and George McNally have both been called up, as has South African Johann Nell.
Pembroke, at home at Sydney Parade to Merrion, will be without Peter Davy, who is also in Toronto. But skipper Trevor Dagg's hopes will be high, following his side's convincing win over Old Belvedere last week.
