On Sunday, the 2nd July our under 11A side travelled out to Merrion CC for the Semi-final of the Cup. Despite being without a couple of our regular players due to holidays and other commitments, the team was supported by the inclusion of a couple of boys from the B team.
Our Boys are undefeated in the league and having beaten Clontarf and Railway Union by seven wickets in the previous two rounds of the cup, we were full of confidence going into Sundays game.
Merrion won the toss and elected to have a batt. Only one of Merrions top order batsmen retired, the rest falling to the bowling of Sean Condron 3-16 and Mitchel Grant 1-29. A top-class spell from Charlie Askew 0-12, Rian Doran 0-15 and supported with excellent fielding from Ben Kelly, Euan Dodds, Chalasani, James Holdsworth and Guy Tattan the Merrion run rate slowed considerably. As the pressure mounted Merrion tried to push on, this only resulted in fantastic catches for Cormac Eason and Charlie Askew.
Mention must be made for Jack Chalasani, James Holdsworth, Ben Kelly and Guy Tattan, who playing in such a big game for the first time made some vital stops in the field and conducted themselves exceptionally.
It was left to Matthew Langan 2-11 and Euan Dodds 1-6 to mop up the tail.
Merrion finishing their innings on 95 for 7
Malahide Openers of Sean Condron 25 and Mitchel Grant 26 managed their inning perfectly, with both boys reaching the retirement score of 24+ in the 10 over. Merrion had some excellent bowlers, only bowling 3 wides. When these bowlers returned in the 16th Over Malahide needed 18 runs to win. However, this target proved to be just out of reach.
This current under 11A team is full of talent and are a credit to themselves and to the club. The loss was hard felt by all the boys but sometimes you must understand what it is to lose so you can appreciate the wins. These boys always give 100% and they should all be very proud.
Big thank you to all the travelling supporters. It is fantastic to see so many enjoying the high level of cricket this young team produce every weekend home or away.