Match Report – MCU Division 1 – Week 4
Limerick CC 2nd XI vs Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI
Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025
Venue: The Manor Fields, Adare
Result: Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI won by 1 wicket
In a thrilling low-scoring contest in Week 4 of the Munster Cricket Union Division 1, Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI edged past Limerick CC 2nd XI by a single wicket to seal a dramatic win at The Manor Fields, Adare.
First Innings – Limerick CC 2nd XI: 79 all out (24.7 overs)
After electing to bat first, Limerick CC 2nd XI struggled from the outset. The top order collapsed under tight bowling, with only Vinaykumar Nagaraju (16 off 33) and Sarfraz Ramay (11 off 29) offering resistance.
The damage was largely inflicted by Rahul Poulose and Arun Kumar Harikumar, who produced a stunning spell of bowling, finishing with 3 wickets each, including key scalps like Sarfraz Ramay and Vinaykumar Nagaraju. They were ably supported by Jeffin Mathew, who claimed 2 Limerick scalps.
Frequent wickets, including a stumping and a run out saw Limerick skittled out for 79.
Second Innings – Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI: 80/9 (29.1 overs)
The chase, though modest on paper, was anything but straightforward, and was filled with high drama from the outset. The Blasters lost early wickets in clusters, and the scorecard resembled a bingo card. 1-1, 2-4, 3-12, 4-13, 5-13, to be 6-24 in the 17th over. Wickets were falling all around George Raju, who refused to yield. Despite scoring just a single run in facing 56 balls, he served to frustrate the Limerick bowling attack, who, by the 17th over, thought victory was a mere formality.
Ramoji ‘Rambo’ Alla was terrorising the Blasters batters Returning figures of 9-2-13-4, most observers would have agreed that it would prove to be a match-winning spell. And with young tearaway pacer and internationally-capped William Shields at the other end, things looked grim for the visitors. Wily fox Sarfraz Ramay also took 3 well crafted wickets.
However, the match turned when three Blasters batters decided to take their chances, rather than perish with defensive play. Thomas Raju (13 from 37), Praveen Poulose ( 12 from 8) and Arun Kumar Harikumar (12* from 10) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Hero of the Match: Arun Kumar Harikumar
There was no debate about the standout performer. Arun Kumar Harikumar turned the match on its head with a 3-wicket haul in the first innings, followed by a match-winning unbeaten 12* under extreme pressure. His composure with the bat and lethal accuracy with the ball rightfully earned him the Hero of the Match title.
Summary
- Limerick CC 2nd XI: 79 all out in 24.7 overs
- Top Scorer: Vinaykumar Nagaraju (16)
- Best Bowlers: Arun Kumar Harikumar (3 wickets), Jeffin Mathew (3 wickets), Rahul Poulose (3 wickets)
- Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI: 80/9 in 29.1 overs
- Top Scorer: Arun Kumar Harikumar (13*)
- Best Bowlers: Ramoji Alla (4 wickets), Sarfraz Ramay (3 wickets)
The match was a classic example of how low-scoring games can produce maximum drama, and Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI held their nerve just long enough to secure a memorable one-wicket victory. Umpires John O’Dea and Glenn Brokenshire concurred that it was one of the most nervy yet thrilling matches they had seen for quite some time.
Full scorecard: https://munstercricket.ie/match-centre/?tab=m_summary#m5a0dbc2f-9fa5-42f8-871b-e154a4386163
Match Report: County Kerry 4th XI vs Nenagh 3rd XI – MCU Division 3A, Week 4
Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025
Venue: Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds, Nenagh
Result: County Kerry 4th XI won by 81 runs
County Kerry 4th XI – 266/8 (40 overs)
County Kerry’s 4th XI produced a commanding performance with the bat, spearheaded by an explosive knock from Libin Philip, who scored 89 off 66 balls, anchoring the middle overs with powerful strokeplay and calculated aggression. His innings included a flurry of boundaries, particularly during the 33rd to 36th overs, where he hit multiple fours and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Opening partnerships provided a solid base. Sonu Sabu contributed a stylish 51 from 48 balls, combining well with fellow opener Brian H. Despite a few stumbles in the middle order, a strong finish and useful lower-order contributions pushed Kerry past the 260 mark.
Wickets fell regularly in the later overs, but Kerry managed to maintain a high run rate throughout. The final few overs were highlighted by brisk scoring and well-timed boundaries, including an authoritative last-over boundary from Kunanickal Divakaran.
Key Batting Performances:
- Libin Philip – 89 (66)
- Sonu Sabu – 51 (48)
- Dipin Kunanickal Divakaran – unbeaten cameo at the death
Nenagh’s Bowling Highlights:
- Ebin Baby – 2 wickets, including the key scalp of Japadas
- BM Kuriakose – 2 wickets, including the dangerous Libin Philip
- Praveen Pyda– 2 wickets
Nenagh 3rd XI – 185 all out (32.4 overs)
In reply, Nenagh never truly recovered after early setbacks. Their chase was anchored by Skipper Jibin Scaria (35 from 47) and Ebin Baby, who scored a valiant 31 from 41 balls down the order, but it wasn’t enough to chase the imposing target.
Kerry’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, with Libin Philip showcasing his all-round prowess by claiming 3 wickets. New ball bowler Sonu Sabu ( 6.4-1-15-3) played a crucial role with the ball, removing key batters including Baby and Pyda, and applying pressure in the middle overs.
Despite a fighting knock by Jibin Scaria (35 from 47), Nenagh’s innings was punctuated by a steady fall of wickets, hampered by a combination of accurate bowling, sharp fielding, and a lack of partnerships when it mattered.
Key Bowling Performances (Kerry):
- Libin Philip – 3 wickets
- Sonu Sabu – 3 wickets
- Dipin Kunanickal Divakaran – 1 crucial wicket and an economical spell
Summary:
County Kerry 4th XI showcased their depth and balance in both departments, with Libin Philip emerging as the standout performer of the match. His aggressive batting and incisive bowling earned Kerry a comprehensive 81-run victory. Nenagh, while spirited in patches, struggled to match Kerry’s intensity and execution.
Player of the Match: Libin Philip – 89 (66) & 3 wickets
MCU Division 1 – Match Report
Saturday, 10th May 2025
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon
Result: Midleton CC 1st XI beat Clare CC 1st XI by 3 wickets
Midleton Edge Clare in Final-Over Thriller
A fiercely contested Week 4 clash in the Munster Cricket Union Division 1 saw Midleton CC 1st XI chase down Clare CC 1st XI’s total of 219 with three wickets remaining, winning a tense match in the final overs.
First Innings: Clare CC 1st XI – 219 All Out (44.5 overs)
Clare’s innings was a tale of stuttered momentum, built on contributions from S Pannerselvam (52 off 71) and WS Qureshi (32 off 33), but marred by regular wickets. Despite promising starts, Clare couldn’t sustain partnerships long enough to set a higher target.
- Opening Collapse: After an early loss of A Udin (5), Clare slipped to 96/5, with Fayyaz Khan wreaking havoc. He claimed three key wickets, including a double-strike that removed Shaik (16) and Vignesh (29) in quick succession. The opening pairing of Danish Iqbal and Robin Sebastian reaped rewards, both claiming 2 Clare scalps apiece.
- Middle-Order Resistance: Pannerselvam anchored the innings, reaching his half-century with grit.
- Late-Over Contributions: Qureshi counterattacked with some late boundaries but lacked support. The final four wickets fell for just 32 runs, with Jose George cleaning up Qureshi to end the innings at 219.
Top Performers – Clare Batting:
- S Pannerselvam – 52 (71)
- WS Qureshi – 32 (33)
- Vignesh – 29 (35)
Top Performers – Midleton Bowling:
- Fayyaz Khan – 4 wickets
- Robin Sebastian – 2 wickets
- Danish Iqbal – 2 wickets
Second Innings: Midleton CC 1st XI – 225/7 (37.3 overs)
Midleton’s chase was dramatic, swaying wildly between dominance and collapse. Ultimately, it was Jose George’s dynamic and unbeaten innings that sealed the win.
- Early Wickets: Clare’s bowlers struck early blows, reducing Midleton to 50/2. Despite some resistance, wickets kept falling regularly, and the visitors found themselves at 147/7, still needing 73 runs.
- George’s Heroics: Skipper Jose George was the difference-maker. His explosive knock, including multiple sixes and boundaries under pressure, turned the tide. He smashed back-to-back boundaries and a six in the closing overs, bringing the target within reach.
- Qureshi’s Fightback: WS Qureshi led a spirited bowling display, finishing with 3 wickets, but lacked sustained support from the other end. His 125* came off 106 balls 4×11 6×7. Truly remarkable hitting!
Top Performers – Midleton Batting:
- Jose George – Match-winning lower-order cameo
- Zuhair Shah – Held the middle with a composed innings
- Danish Iqbal – Provided a crucial anchor to George
Top Performers – Clare Bowling:
- WS Qureshi – 3 wickets
- Z Udin & Pannerselvam – Tight spells under pressure
Summary
A game of fine margins saw Midleton emerge victorious, thanks to a resilient finish from their lower order. Clare will rue their inability to finish off the innings after having Midleton 7 down with over 70 still to get. The match showcased excellent individual performances, momentum swings, and a nail-biting finish — a fitting contest in the MCU Division 1 season.
Result: Midleton CC 1st XI won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Jose George (Midleton CC) – for his crucial power hitting under pressure.
Munster Cricket Union Division 1 – Match Report (Week 4)
Saturday, 10th May 2025
Venue: The Farm, Curraheen Road, Cork
Match: Nenagh CC 1st XI vs UCC CC 1st XI
Result: Nenagh CC 1st XI won by 134 runs
Dominant Nenagh Outclass UCC with Bat and Ball
Nenagh CC 1st XI delivered a commanding performance at The Farm on Saturday, storming to a 134-run win over UCC CC 1st XI in the fourth round of the MCU Division 1 One Day 45-Over competition. Powered by a blistering batting display and a ruthless bowling effort led by Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan, Nenagh asserted their title credentials in style.
First Innings: Nenagh Batting – 316/7 in 45 Overs
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Nenagh posted an imposing 316/7, with key contributions across the order. The innings gained early momentum thanks to Naveen George’s aggressive 59 off just 39 deliveries, featuring a flurry of boundaries and sixes that set the tone.
Roshan Patel anchored the middle overs with a composed 42 off 44 balls, holding firm as wickets fell around him. But the innings truly ignited in the death overs, with Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan blasting 51 from only 29 deliveries, clearing the ropes multiple times and swinging momentum heavily in Nenagh’s favour. A remarkable 46* from Mohesh from just 15 balls added to the large score.
The final five overs yielded an astonishing 69 runs.
Second Innings: UCC Batting – 182 All Out
In reply, UCC struggled to build partnerships and failed to match the required tempo. A few flashes of resistance came from S. Gahlot, who top-scored with 53 off 41 balls, and R. Subramaniyam who added a handy 29. However, UCC’s innings never truly threatened Nenagh’s total.
Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan once again proved decisive, this time with the ball, claiming five wickets, including a devastating spell through the middle and lower order. He removed both set batters and tail-enders in quick succession, finishing with the remarkable figures of 5.1-0-21-5.
Wickets fell regularly as UCC collapsed from 137-5 to 182 all out in the 32nd over. The lower order offered little resistance, as Maniappan ran riot in tandem with tidy spells from Kurian, George, and Varickatharappel.
Key Performers:
- Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan (Nenagh CC) – 51 (29) & 5 wickets
- Naveen George (Nenagh CC) – 59 (39)
- Roshan Patel (Nenagh CC) – 42 (44)
- S. Gahlot (UCC CC) – 53 (41)
- O. Doshi (UCC CC) – 3 wickets
Summary:
A comprehensive all-round performance from Nenagh ensured they walked away with maximum points and a major boost to their net run rate. UCC will need to regroup after this heavy defeat, while Nenagh’s depth with both bat and ball makes them serious contenders as the season progresses.
Final Result: Nenagh CC 1st XI beat UCC CC 1st XI by 134 runs
MCU One Day U15 – Week 4 Match Report
Cork County U15 vs County Galway U15
Sunday, 11 May 2025 – The Farm, Curraheen Road, Cork
Result: Cork County U15 won by 156 runs
A blistering batting display and a ruthless bowling performance from Cork County U15 secured a commanding 156-run victory over County Galway U15 in Week 4 of the MCU One Day 30-over competition at The Farm in Cork.
First Innings – Cork County U15: 257/4 (30 Overs)
Batting first, Cork County laid down an imposing total of 257 for 4 in their allotted 30 overs, powered by a string of dominant performances throughout the order.
The innings started cautiously but picked up momentum thanks to solid contributions from the middle order. Senan O’Connell anchored the early phases with a brisk 29 off 27 balls, before being caught off the bowling of A Anand.
The real acceleration came when A A Muhammad entered the crease, striking a composed and classy 52 not out off 41 balls, punctuated by timely boundaries. He was ably supported by E Liam Ross, who smashed an explosive 53 not out off just 24 balls before retiring. His innings included two sixes and eight fours, giving Cork a dramatic late-innings surge.
In the final few overs, Shaurya (36*) and Monty Tom Pead (16*) rotated strike effectively, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking and bringing the total to a formidable 257.
Notable bowling efforts from Galway came from Advaith Simha and Jagrithi Thakur, who bowled tidy spells and claimed key wickets, but they couldn’t stem the scoring flow.
Second Innings – County Galway U15: 101 All Out (22.1 Overs)
Chasing an enormous target, the Galway youngsters were up against it from the first over, and were never allowed to settle as they would have liked. Cork’s disciplined bowling attack made early inroads, and the visitors were dismissed for 101 in just 22.1 overs.
The tone was set early by Senan O’Connell, who struck twice in his opening spell, removing Rayan Maqsood and later A Anand, finishing with figures of 3-0-12-2 wickets. Shaurya was incisive, dismissing T Smith and bowling a tight spell up front.
Monty Tom Pead proved devastating in the middle overs, claiming 2 wickets to help reduce Galway to 41/4. His deliveries were tight and deceptive, and his key wicket of D Nikhilesh broke a fledgling partnership.
The middle and lower order struggled to mount any resistance. Despite a spirited 25 off 23 from Advaith Simha, and a brief cameo from R Manjunath (7), wickets tumbled regularly.
Elham Momand added to the collapse with a fine spell, taking 2 wickets, including a smart caught-and-bowled dismissal of Chaitanya Wayadande.
Hero of the Match: E Liam Ross
For his explosive 53 not out off 24 balls, clutch fielding (two catches), and a wicket with the ball to end the Galway innings, E Liam Ross was deservedly named Hero of the Match. His all-round performance was instrumental in Cork County’s dominant win.
Summary
- Cork County U15: 257/4 (30 overs)
A A Muhammad 52* (41), E Liam Ross 53* (24) - County Galway U15: 101 all out (22.1 overs)
Advaith Simha 25 (23)
Monty Tom Pead 3 wickets, Elham Momand 3 wickets
Cork County U15 won by 156 runs
A resounding statement from Cork, who remain strong contenders in the MCU U15 campaign.
MCU Division 2B – Week 4 Match Report
Date: Sunday, 11 May 2025
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon
Match: Clare CC 2nd XI vs Lismore CC 1st XI
Result: Clare CC 2nd XI won by 54 runs
Clare CC 2nd XI Set Defiant Total to Outclass Lismore
Clare CC 2nd XI notched their second win of the Munster Cricket Union Division 2B season with a convincing 54-run victory over Lismore CC 1st XI in Shannon. A team performance with bursts of individual brilliance allowed Clare to defend a challenging total of 218, dismissing Lismore for 164.
First Innings – Clare CC 2nd XI: 218 All Out (32.2 overs)
Clare’s innings was a rollercoaster of momentum, starting uncertainly but punctuated with big hits and late-order fireworks. Early wickets, including the dismissal of Jatinder Singh for a duck, had Clare in early trouble. The middle order, anchored by Shafiq Bajwa’s fluent 48 off 46 balls,and Usama Amjad 37 off 43 pushed Clare past 100. M Singh added support with 18 (39), and A Mukthar’s explosive cameo – 25 off just 11 balls – along with Daniyal Shams’ 22 off 13 launched Clare towards a competitive total.
The Lismore bowlers, particularly Jibrin Augustine 5.1-0-19-4 and Guna Nanjappa 7-0-52-2 consistently broke partnerships. However, their effort was dented by erratic extras and some aggressive strokeplay from Clare’s tail.
Second Innings – Lismore CC 1st XI: 164 All Out (28.3 overs)
Chasing 219, Lismore suffered a catastrophic start. Clare’s new-ball pairing of Yahya Mohammedi and Mushtaq Safi blew through the top order. Within the first 6 overs, Lismore had slumped to 25/4, with Safi removing Niju Joseph, Gikhil Francis, and Guna Nanjappa in a hostile spell.
Ragesh Vishnubhavan Nirmal (36 off 45) and Manikandan N (39 off 46) offered brief resistance, combining for a gritty partnership. But once they fell, the lower order couldn’t withstand the pressure.
Clare’s bowlers shared the spoils. Usama Amjad (3 wickets), Mohammedi (3 wickets), and A Mukthar (3 wickets) worked as a well-orchestrated tandem to dismantle the middle and lower order. Lismore were ultimately bowled out in the 29th over.
Key Performances
- Clare CC 2nd XI
- Shafiq Bajwa – 48 (46)
- Usama Amjad – 37 (43) & 2 wickets
- A Mukthar – 25 (11) & 3 wickets
- Mushtaq Safi – 3 wickets
- Yahya Mohammedi – 3 wickets
- Lismore CC 1st XI
- Manikandan N – 39 (46)
- Ragesh Nirmal – 36 (45)
- Jibrin Augustine – 4 wickets
- Guna Nanjappa – 2 wickets
Summary
Clare’s mixture of aggressive batting and clinical bowling proved too much for Lismore. The Shannon side’s ability to keep pressure with both bat and ball highlighted their depth and resilience. Lismore, despite flashes of resistance, were undone by a poor start and a persistent bowling attack.
Clare CC 2nd XI continue their promising run in Division 2B, while Lismore will look to regroup after this setback.
MCU Premier Division – Week 4 Match Report
Sunday, 11 May 2025 | Farmers Cross, Cork
Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI beat Cork County CC 1st XI by 3 wickets
A tense, low-scoring affair unfolded at Farmers Cross as Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI emerged victorious over local rivals Cork County CC 1st XI, chasing down a modest target of 138 to seal a 3-wicket win in the Munster Cricket Union Premier Division.
First Innings – Cork County CC 1st XI: 137 all out (35.6 overs)
After being asked to bat first, Cork County suffered early blows and never truly recovered, folding for just 137 in under 36 overs. Donald Marakassery offered some early resistance with a brisk 32 from 31 balls, including five boundaries, but the collapse that followed was swift and dramatic.
From 24/2, County crumbled to 59/6 thanks to incisive bowling from Seanan Jones (3 wickets) and Mustaq (3 wickets), who removed both Robert Duggan and S Gautam in the same over. The middle and lower order failed to offer meaningful support, with only A Saddique (34 off 61) showing some grit.
AS Dangi was unerringly accurate with the ball, taking 6-3-8-2 at only 1.3 in a miserly spell, stifling any hope of a County recovery. The innings ended on 137 with a flurry of dot balls and three tail-end wickets falling in quick succession.
Second Innings – Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI: 140/7 (31.1 overs)
In reply, Cork Harlequins made a composed start, with S Powale laying the foundation with an elegant 36 at the top. Despite losing wickets in clusters—including a mini-collapse from 102/3 to 119/5—the chase remained on track thanks to a composed innings from D Joyce, who anchored the middle order with a measured 34.
Cork County briefly sensed a comeback when Eshan O’Sullivan (3/28) dismissed Matthew Brewster and BJ Vosloo in the same over, reducing Harlequins to 102/5. The pressure mounted further with quick wickets from Prashant Singh and O’Sullivan again, but Devon Joyce kept his cool to guide the chase home.
Summary
- Cork County CC 1st XI: 137 all out (35.6 overs)
- A Saddique 34, Donald Marakassery 32
- Seanan Jones 3/26, Mustaq 3/10
- Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI: 140/7 (31.1 overs)
- S Powale 36, D Joyce 37*
- Eshan O’Sullivan 3/16
🏏 Result: Cork Harlequins CC won by 3 wickets.
Our match reviews are a snapshot of matches across the MCU. Our goal is to highlight each club wherever possible. We encourage all clubs to submit team photographs and matchday images via the photo sharing WhatsApp group, or via email to programmes@munstercricket.ie
