Cricket Weekend previewLike so many aspects of this game, the weather looks likely to play a big part in today's eagerly awaited finals day of the LHW 20/20 Cup at Rathmines. The Met Eireann forecast is suitably vague with the words rain, cloud and sunshine all featuring in the same sentence.
If the rain does stay away, however, expect a big crowd with 98fm and Newstalk radio stations in tow, along with plenty of activities for the whole family.
On the playing front, YMCA will take on Clontarf while Merrion play Malahide in the two semi-finals. As is vital in this competition, YM have plenty of hard-hitters in their side with Stuart McCready, Wayne Murray and Paul Beacroft all in a bit of form with the bat.
Clontarf club captain Trent Johnston is a serious doubt with a shoulder injury he picked up playing for Ireland in the ICC Trophy final against Scotland recently and the side will be skippered by former Scottish international Dom Rigby. As they are in most games they play, Tarf will be favourites in this one although in 20/20 cricket, there can be no reliable form guide.
It is a frenetic form of the game for all concerned - players, umpires and scorers - and when the heat comes on, experience will count for plenty. In the form of Alan Lewis, McCready, Stewart Taylor and others, YM certainly have plenty of that.
In the other semi-final, Merrion will be without Dominick Joyce and the Blakeneys, John and Peter, who are cup-tied, having already played in this competition for Dublin University. As such, Malahide, under wicket-keeper Andy Pyne, should have enough fire power to make it into the decider.
On the other hand, Damian Poder, Kade Beasley and Angus Fleming, not to mention a host of youngsters in their ranks, ensure that the Anglesea Road side will be no pushovers. After all, it only takes one or two players to take a liking to the bowling to set a competitive score.
The draw to see which semi-final begins first will take place at 10am (presumably in an effort to make sure all four teams and their supporters are there from the start). The mayhem gets under way at 11am amid great fanfare, coloured clothing, white balls and loud music.
FIXTURES: Saturday: LHW 20/20 Cup (Rathmines, first semi-final 11am): Clontarf v YMCA, Merrion v Malahide WMK League (Section B): The Hills v Old Belvedere Senior 2 Cup (final, Park Avenue) Clontarf 2 v Malahide 2. Sunday: WMK League Section A: Phoenix v Malahide, CYM v North County Section B: Leinster v Railway Union, YMCA v Old Belvedere.
