Senior Cup Final, Future Series & Adult League Tables
The 16th week of an already packed season delivered some significant results for clubs & province, with the Heat finalising their destiny in the CI Future Series, the 43rd Senior Cup Final & the adult leagues beginning to hot up.
Senior Cup – The Chris Fellowes Cup
The Chris Fellowes Premier Munster Cup (Formerly the Bank Of Ireland Cup) as related in last week’s review has been contested since 1978. This was the 43rd final and took place at the Richard Beamish Grounds, Cork, between 2 times winners Galway & 4 times winners Cork Harlequins. All the action is live streamed on the MCU Youtube channel by ClubsportscastTV.
Galway batted first, looking to make the most of the conditions against a Quins attack which on paper is the form premier bowling outfit. A solid start saw 40 runs off the power play against pace before the spinners came into the attack to remove the top order reducing Galway to 61/4 in the 19th over. From this point under pressure, Galway fought hard but never really got control back, losing regular wickets to finally be all out in the 40th over for 160. A tricky total on a wicket that rewarded good bowling but one that looked below par on the scoreboard. For Galway, six batters got into double figures but only Muhamed Sinan (46) got going. All 7 Quins bowlers kept it tight with the best returns by Matthew Brewster 5.4 overs, 4/21, Brandon Kruger 10 overs 3/24 & Adam Hickey 7 overs 3/36. A mention for keeper Shivam Kislay who took 5 catches.
The Quins reply started briskly, the top order looking to be positive and not let the bowlers get control. A frenetic power play ended on 78/2, but the loss of wickets seemed less important than the chasing side getting halfway there. Perhaps befitting a side heading for a consecutive All Ireland semi-final this Sunday, the Quins top order continued to play in T20 mode and reined in the target in the 21st over, finishing on 164/2, to take the 2022 title by 8 wickets.
The Galway bowlers all came under pressure, with only Lliff Sumit and Ashil Prakash each taking a wicket. For the batters, Ryan Joyce (31), Mubeen Ali (47), with Brandon Kruger made 61no to complete a great game where he was awarded the Player of the Match award.
The Munster Heat, 2022 Cricket Ireland Future Series Champions
On Thursday the Heat travelled to North Kildare to take on the Emerging Warriors in the 4th T20. A simple equation. A win would see the Heat climb to the top of the table and take the title.
The Heat batted first and in a repeat of most of this season’s games, accumulated runs but did not dominate the opposition. In challenging conditions, the Munster batters made 134/7 off the 20 overs, with a crucial mid order of 44no for Eshan O’Sullivan & 25 for Cian Egerton rescuing the team and top order.
This season has shown the Heat to be a good bowling & fielding outfit. The Emerging Warriors kept themselves in the run chase in a nervy close game, but as stated, the Heat ground them out with tight lines and occasional fielding brilliance. With three overs to go, only 14 runs were required, 3 wickets in hand and the odds were against Munster. Two quick wickets from Egerton in the 18th and the pressure visibly shifted despite at the start of the 19th, Emerging Warriors still only needing 8 off 12 balls. The second ball brought a nervy call, a mix-up between batters and McDonough gathered the ball off his follow through to beat the batter home. The Heat won by 6 runs to take the championship.
It is worth putting this title into perspective. The future series has been a successful Cricket Ireland initiative that is in effect the U25 Interpros. The Heat squad have an average age of 20, with players from across the province, the majority of whom have come through all levels of the MCU Pathway, with over 150 U13 to 17 Interpros caps between them.
Adult League Tables
Week 17 will see the leagues head into the final third of their respective competitions, with matters starting to be decided. Please note the table below reflects results, penalties and percentage points which is the key position column that determines the final standings.
Premier Division
Division 1
Division 2
Division 3
Division 4
On Sunday Cork Harlequins make the journey up to The Hills in Leinster and chase more AIT20 glory. Look out for a live stream link. Follow all Munster games and scores on NVPlay.
