MERRION CC NEWSLETTER

July 2019

Dear Merrion Club members,

Welcome to the July edition of the club’s newsletter. It’s great to see that summer has finally arrived and we’ve been able to enjoy some excellent cricket out in the sun!

In this edition we run through some of the match highlights from last month, and have a special section from the club’s archives on the highest batting partnerships. There have been some great results throughout the club over the month, with the highlight being the Junior As winning the final of the Gerry Duffy Cup. Congratulations to all involved!

We also had the Damian Poder memorial match, which was a great way to remember one of our Merrion legends. On the social side of things, we have a club karaoke night coming up on July 6, which promises to be an entertaining night.

Good luck to all our teams in the coming weeks and I hope to see you all at Anglesea Road soon.

Kind regards,

Andrew Kay President

Men’s Cricket 1sts:

It’s been a relatively quiet month for the men’s 1st XI with the team having a weekend off the same week as Cricket Leinster’s Summer Smash as lost to Middlesex by 5 runs, with Merrion’s own playing a crucial role in the team’s valiant performance against excellent opposition. The month started off with a defeat to Phoenix in the semi-final of the league cup in what was a tough day for the team, as they lost to an excellent Phoenix side by 51 runs. Positives from this game included a 35 from Tom Stanton as well as 4 for Tyrone Kane and 3 for , and while it is of course disappointing to lose in a big game we’d like to congratulate our men’s 1st team for doing such a good job to reach the semi-finals of this new competition.

The Premier League season however kicked off on a much more upbeat note the following weekend as the team cruised to a 314 run victory over Leinster in Rathmines, with the undoubted stars of the show being captain John Anderson (130) and Dom Joyce (147) who put on 277 for the 2nd to help the side to a mammoth total of 384-7 off their 50 overs. On the 16th of June, John Anderson’s team travelled up north to face a wet CIYMS in the Irish Senior Cup. This was a messy game thanks to the rain that caused the abandonment of their game against Phoenix 24 hours earlier, with the team coming out on the wrong side of the result in a tight game by 9 runs on the Duckworth Lewis Stern method. The Premier League continues in July as well as the Alan Murray Cup kicking off, so there’s still lots to play for in different formats for the men’s 1st XI, and it would be great to see as many people as possible down supporting the team.

Max Sorenson in action against Malahide

Dom and Ando piling on the runs against Leinster

Men’s 2nd XI The men’s 2nd XI only had 1 game in June, a league game against Clontarf. The team bowled well, restricting Clontarf to 188 all out with Sean Stanton picking up 4-32 off 10 and Nitin Sharma 3-46 off 9.3. The game however ended in defeat with Merrion being bowled out for 166 to fall 22 runs short. Men’s 3rd XI It was a busy month for Merrion 3, with 5 matches being played. Unfortunately, games against Laois and a strong Clontarf 2nd team in the cup ended in defeat, however the side had good showings as they beat Longford at home with Tim Clifford taking side 4-15 including a hat-trick. Vikas Dhiman guided the side to victory away to The Hills later in the month out in the Vineyard, as the team won by 105 runs largely thanks to Vikas’ 124 not out from just 69 balls. With their final game of the month against Phoenix being rained off, Sai Reddy’s team have now got 3 games coming up in the space of a week, as they face Clontarf, North Kildare and Phoenix. Men’s 4th XI It was a largely good month for Merrion 4, winning 5 games against DLR County, Bagenalstown, Phoenix 3, Castleknock and Knockharley and being defeated by Rush 2 as well as unfortunately losing out in a bowl out in the quarter-final of the YMCA Salver for the second year running, this time against Adamstown. The undoubted player of the month for Hari Ramasettey’s team was Vaibahv Sapra who scored two 100s in the month against DLR County and Knockharley. We also saw good performances with the bat from Tim Knight, Hari Ramasettey and Vicky Dalwani who also had a good month with the ball along with Daniel Forkin. Men’s 5th XI Merrion 5 won 3 out of 5 in the month of June. While tough days were had against Terenure 2 and Greystones, the team dug in valiantly to win against Bagenalstown at Bird Avenue where captain Liam Casey played a captain’s knock to bring the team home. Ted O’Kelly had a super month also with 8 wickets in 2 games either side of a trip to the USA. The team also got through to the next round of the Middle 2 Cup as they beat Ashbourne by 9 wickets, with Raghav Khurana taking 4-19 off 7, with the next round taking place this coming weekend at Anglsea Road. Men’s 6th XI It was a tough month for Merrion 6 with 2 defeats from 2 as they were knocked out of the Intermediate Cup by DLR County 3, while they were also beaten at Bird Avenue by Clontarf 5. There were some positives however, with Ravi Shokeen taking 5-17 off 8 overs against Clontarf while Carl Krenski took 2-10 off 4 in the same game. Men’s 7th XI June was a tough month for Merrion 7 but finished on a strong note with a fantastic cup win against Adamstown 5, the star of the show being Dom Markham, with his first Merrion ton. Jamie Grant also had a good day with the bat, getting a new high score of 42. The team scored 262 off 40 overs and held their nerve late on to win by 6 runs and progress to the quarter-finals of the Minor Cup.

One of our youngest and one of our ‘more experienced’ players on the 7ths. Women’s Cricket

The women continued their good start to the season with an outstanding victory over a very strong Pembroke side in the first round of the Senior Cup. We were missing a number of players but this gave others an opportunity to step up which they certainly did! Merrion batted first and posted a solid total with Rachel, Leah, and Ceil all making valuable contributions. In the second innings, Rachel provided two crucial breakthroughs in the first few overs. After that there were three brilliant catches from Annabel, Victoria, and Abi which got us back into the game. It all boiled down to the final over were Pembroke needed 7 runs to win and we needed just one wicket, with 13 year old Isabel Light stepping up to the mark and holding her nerve brilliantly to get the final wicket. It was definitely one of the most rewarding wins the women’s team have had in the past few years, with every single team member making contributions. We now take on Leinster in the semi-final of the cup.

Next we played Clontarf away in the league. We batted first and scored 130 in our 20 overs. We couldn’t manage to replicate our fielding performance from the week before in Pembroke and Clontarf reached the total in the last over.

We have a few weeks off now before our next fixtures and would encourage any friends, family or older girls from the youth section to come down and join us on Monday nights from 6-8.

Merrion women’s 1st XI captain Rachel Delaney

Youth Cricket

Overall, Merrion Youth have had a successful start to the season.

The U17 Colts games firstly saw Colts A beat Malahide by 126 runs after posting a massive total of 265-6, with James Light scoring an impressive 74 (retired), Jamie MacNulty 65 and Elliot Atkinson 56 (not out). Malahide were bowled out for 139 with Peter Forkin taking 3-18 and Elliot Atkinson 3-26. There was another victory for the U17s away to Malahide, with the game won by a nail-biting 6 runs in a very close fought match. Merrion posted 126-8 with strong batting performances from James Light (35), Tom Brigg (19) and Elliott Atkinson (16). Merrion then pinned Malahide back with some early wickets from Harry Sandys (2-14) and Oisin Bhoja (2-15) but Malahide fought their way back into the game. Tight bowling at the death by Harry Squires (2-20), however, earned Merrion another victory.

Colts B defeated YMCA by 4 wickets, scoring 115-5 with batting contributions by Elliot Atkinson (41), Tom Brigg (17) and Marco Trolese (17), while Eoin McNulty (1-12) and Harry Squires (2-23) all bowled well for Merrion.

Merrion Junior As had had a successful run, winning most of their matches in the Gerry Cup, eventually reaching the Cup semi-final which was played away at Leinster against Clontarf. There was solid bowling contributions by all the bowlers, with notable batting achieved by Harry Sandys who scored 50 in the semi-final match.

The final of the Gerry Duffy cup was played on the same day against Railway who had previously defeated Merrion in the cup game. Impressive bowling by Railway saw a number of Merrion batsmen dismissed early on in the game. Railway needed 116 to win and started well; soon, with Railway on 72 runs and only 2 wickets down, Merrion had a challenge on their hands. However, strong bowling and good fielding got Merrion back into the game, with a nail- biting finish as Railway needed 11 off 6 balls needed to win the game and were unable to score the needed runs. Notable contributions were from Daniel Forkin who scored an impressive 59 runs, as well as Seb Dijkstra with 3/12 and Eoin MacNulty with 1/16.

Junior As – winners of the Gerry Duffy Cup The Junior girls started the season off with some very good wins, with some juniors playing in the senior ladies’ team too. The past few games have been a little more challenging, as in both away games against Clontarf the Junior girls came up against some tough competition. In the Cup and league the Clontarf Team proved to have an edge over Merrion with some strong bowlers; early on in the games the fast bowlers were too strong for the opening Merrion batsmen who fell quickly. Notable performers in the matches were Caoimhe Byrne who top scored in the League and cup matches and Alice Kelly who not only top scored but was fantastic in the fielding where she prevented a number of boundary scores from a strong Clontarf batting side. Well done to the Junior girls for always giving their best; we look forward to hearing about more of their exciting games as the season progresses.

On the 16th June, the Minor Girls team also played against North County at home, securing a win.

Future stars of Merrion Cricket, Niamh MacNulty, Annabel Squires and Isabel Light, are all making an impressive transition into Women’s cricket. This was best seen talent in the Women’s 1st cup match were Merrion played a strongly fancied Pembroke side. Despite the pressure and intensity of the game, all three young players made contributions with both bowling and fielding, in particular Isabel Light who bowled a highly pressurized last over taking Pembroke’s last wicket to win Merrion the game.

Minor Boys

Another successful run for Merrion Youth with an impressive start to the season by the Minor Boys. To date they’ve had an undefeated run with some impressive contributions in batting and bowling from some talented players in the team. The Minor A team remain unbeaten with wins against Adamstown (Gavin Pantony and Seb Dijkstra both 31retired), Terenure (Gavin Pantony and Pathyush Kalamanathan 31 retired, Tom Squires 2-4), Malahide (Seb Dijkstra 30 retired, Prathyush 2-2) and North County (Seb Dijkstra 30 retired, Sammy Joyce 30 retired). The B and C teams have also been in action which has allowed some of the up and coming boys to enjoy their first competitive matches. Well done to all of the boys and girls!

Congratulations to all the teams on all their successful achievements. They continue to make the Merrion Cricket Club community of families and players extremely proud.

Please join our Merrion Cricket Youth section on Facebook where Sorcha Cunningham will update you on Summer camps and youth fixtures. Remember to save the date, Friday 19th July, for our Mid-season Cubs Blitz and Youth barbecue!

Our highly popular Summer Camps run until the first week of August – please contact [email protected] to register.

Our new ground covers coming in handy with the recent rain

The Alwrights relaxing in the sun

MATCH FOR PODES On Thursday the 27th of June the Leinster Rugby Referees faced off against a Merrion XI for the second time in memory of our great friend and club legend Damien Poder. Merrion batted first and amassed a total of 189 with some vintage Merrion batting on show as the likes of Peter Blakeney, Mark Forbes and Angus Fleming all took to the field for the first time in nearly a year. This score proved too much for the Referees as Merrion ran out 70 run winners in the end. The match was followed by presentation of a new trophy to the Merrion team and captain Parky, while the original was given to Ailish and Cian to take home in what was a lovely gesture. A collection also took place for the Hospice after the match in which over a thousand euro was raised for a very worthy cause. A massive thanks to everyone involved, in particular Philly Quinlan who headed up the organisation from the Merrion side.

Players and officials from the ‘match for Podes’

Star bowler, Cian. From the Archives Batting Partnerships

Earlier this month Dom Joyce [147] and John Anderson [130] combined to put on the highest batting partnership in Leinster this year. Their second wicket partnership of 277 against Leinster in the Senior League Cup is one of only four over 200 this year*. But how does it figure in the all-time records?

In terms of the Merrion Senior records it proved to be just three runs short of the record of 280 between Brad Spanner and Chris Torrisi in 2001 v The Hills; it is also the first partnership over 200 that did not feature Brad Spanner. The updated table for Merrion now shows six 200 plus partnerships.

Partnerships [200 Runs]

Year Players Wicket Against Venue Partnership

2001 B Spanner & C Torrisi 3rd The Hills Anglesea Rd 280

2019 D Joyce and J Anderson 2nd Leinster Rathmines 277

2000 B Spanner & C Torrisi 3rd Pembroke Sydney Parade 269*

1999 B Spanner & G Joyce 2nd Rush Kenure 229

2002 B Spanner & G Joyce 2nd Clontarf Castle Ave 207

2000 B Spanner & C Torrisi 3rd Railway U Park Ave 203

Viewing the overall Leinster Senior average which dates from 1919, there have only been six higher partnerships, one of which featured Merrion when Vikas Dhiman [97] and James Groom [152] made 221 v North County in Division 3.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

A reminder to all members that subscriptions for this season are now overdue, and can be paid on our club website www.merrioncricketclub.com, using the secure STRIPE payment system. If you have any issues or queries, feel free to contact our Senior membership secretary Rohit Pahuja at [email protected] or Sorcha Cunningham for the Youth section at [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS The club are always looking for volunteers, and if you’re interested in helping out in any way, e.g. scoring, coaching, fundraising, or joining our new social committee, please contact any of the Management Committee. YOUR CLUB, YOUR PROVINCE CRICKET LEINSTER DRAW As many of you know, Cricket Leinster are running a large raffle competition this year, as part of their centenary celebrations, in which up to €12,000 worth of prizes are available to be won. The draw for this will be made at the annual Cricket Leinster awards dinner in the Guinness Storehouse in November. Tickets for this draw are available to purchase at the club bar and we would greatly appreciate it if everyone did their bit for Merrion and attempted to sell 5 tickets at a cost of €10 each; these can be collected from behind the bar if you get in contact with Anne. All money collected by Merrion goes back into the club and our latest project, improving our nets. Further information on this draw, such as prizes, can be found at www.cricketleinster.ie.

Dates for your diary

 Here’s a look at the 1st teams’ fixtures for July: o July 6 – Men’s 1st XI home to Pembroke, 1.00 p.m. o July 13 – Men’s 1st XI away to YMCA, 1.00 p.m. o July 16 – Women’s 1st XI home to Leinster, 6.00 p.m. o July 20 – Men’s 1st XI home to Rush, 1.00 p.m. o July 21 – Women’s 1st XI home to YMCA, 1.00 p.m. o July 27 – Men’s 1st XI 2 x T20s home to Pembroke (10.15 a.m.) and Railway Union (5.25 p.m.) Other fixtures can be found on our club website, www.merrioncricketclub.com, as well as the Cricket Leinster website, www.cricketleinster.ie.

 Friday, 19th July for our Mid-season Cubs Blitz & Youth barbecue

 Karaoke night! There’s going to be a karaoke night down at the club next Saturday the 6th of July, following the men’s 1st XI home game vs Pembroke, and all members are invited to what promises to be a fun filled evening with some great ‘entertainment’. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our new Social Secretary Tim Knight for his organisation of this and many other social events throughout the season.

Bar opening times will remain unchanged from last year. The bar will be open from the times below and by request for other matches: . Thursday and Friday - 5.30 p.m. . Saturday and Sunday - 12.30 p.m.

To host a function at the Club please contact our Club Manager Anne Fitzsimons at [email protected]. We can arrange catering to your specifications.

 Training Times

Team Day Time

Seniors – commencing April 2

Men 1-3 Tuesday & Thursday 6.00-8.00 p.m.

Men 4-8 Wednesday 6.00-8.00 p.m.

Women Monday 6.00-8.00 p.m.

Youth – commencing April 27

Cubs Boys & Girls Sunday 9.30-10.45 a.m.

Minor Boys & Girls (5th and 6th class) Sunday 9.30-11.00 a.m.

Junior Boys & Girls (1st and 2nd year) Saturday 9.30-11.00 a.m.

Colts (3rd and 4th year) & U17 Wednesday 17.00-19.00 p.m. MAIN CLUB SPONSOR

We are delighted to announce that Avitor Limited are our new main club sponsor for 2019. Avitor specialise in the distribution of Audio Visual and Information Technology as well as offering a full install service throughout the whole of Ireland.

Avitor take over the mantle of the club’s flagship sponsor from Paddy Power, who we would like to thank for their generous support over the last number of years. We are very excited to begin what will hopefully prove to be a long, happy and mutually beneficial relationship with Avitor.

About Avitor

Avitor are distributors of Audio Visual and Information Technology, specialising in a select range of Interactive Touch Screens, Collaborative Solutions, Digital Signage, Wireless Presentation Systems, and Hotel TV Systems.

Avitor provide first class service and support whilst supplying IT and AV as well as offering a full install service throughout the whole of Ireland.

Avitor have fine digital demonstration rooms where all their products are available to be viewed and experienced at their Glasnevin, base.

With a combined knowledge base of over 60 years between them, the Avitor team have the experience, know-how and solutions for all your AV and IT projects.

See their website https://www.avitor.ie for further information, or phone 01 912 1330.

Merrion Cricket Club sign sponsors We would like to thank our all of our Club sponsors who provide valuable financial support to the Club. We encourage you to support these businesses in return.

Personal and corporate sponsorship is a vital part of the Club’s funding. If you, a friend or family member work in a company that might be interested, please contact our Chair of Finance, Philly Quinlan, for further information at [email protected] or 086 834 1313.