Here are match previews for Week 8 of the Munster Cricket Union competitions, as the season builds momentum across divisions and formats.
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 1 T20
🏏 Limerick Blasters 1st XI vs Cork County 2nd XI
Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety | Start: 10:00am
The Blasters return to home turf looking to impose themselves early, while Cork County’s second string will be pressing hard for a win on the road at Croker’s. A tight contest could be on the cards if both top orders fire.
🏏 County Kerry 2nd XI vs Limerick CC 2nd XI
Venue: Oyster Oval, Tralee | Start: 10:00am
Kerry 2nds will seek a strong performance on home ground, but they face a well-balanced Limerick side with momentum and out to prove a point. Expect Limerick’s bowling unit to test the hosts early. Keep an eye out for young seamer William Shields- if he’s on target, the Kerry batters will be under pressure!
🏏 Clare CC 1st XI vs Cork Harlequins 2nd XI
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon | Start: 10:00am
Clare’s firsts are always tough at home, and they’ll aim to dominate early. Harlequins’ depth could be tested, but their experience in tight T20 finishes may give them an edge, especially after the strong showing from the Quins youth players like the Stevenson and Sumanasinghe brothers, Umer Khan and Jonathan McLaughlin.
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 3 T20 Group 3
🏏 Cork Harlequins 4th XI vs Nenagh CC 3rd XI
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork | Start: 11:00am
Both sides are looking to climb the group table. Harlequins 4ths will be eyeing consistency, while Nenagh 3rds bring an element of unpredictability that could spring a surprise. Watch out for Umer from Nenagh, who is hungry for runs, and Sachin Yawale from Quins, who hits a long ball and is a real threat with ball in hand.
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 1 T20 (Afternoon Fixtures)
🏏 Nenagh CC 1st XI vs Limerick CC 2nd XI
Venue: Oyster Oval, Tralee | Start: 1:30pm
A quick turnaround for Limerick 2nds, who will hope to maintain energy for a second game. Nenagh’s first XI are competitive and capable of chasing or defending well.
🏏 Cork Harlequins 2nd XI vs Midleton CC 2nd XI
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon | Start: 2:00pm
Harlequins 2nds face a solid Midleton side in what could be a pivotal group clash. Both teams have shown form, so this could be one of the weekend’s closest contests.
🏏 Limerick Blasters 1st XI vs UCC CC 1st XI
Venue: Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety | Start: 2:00pm
This late fixture pits two aggressive batting sides against each other. UCC are known for flair, while the Blasters will rely on home advantage and strike bowling to control proceedings. Keep an eye on the UCC Skipper and opener Muhammad Rizwan, who is in prime form with the bat, and Rahul Poulose from Blasters, who bowls a heavy ball and is hunting wickets.
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 3 T20 Group 2
🏏 Lismore CC 2nd XI vs United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI
Venue: Castlelands, Lismore | Start: 2:00pm
Lismore 2nds host a developing Clonmel side. The hosts will be favourites, but Clonmel’s young squad continues to improve with each outing. Miguel Carolino from Lismore loves batting at his home ground, so Clonmel will need to be sharp to contain him. Clonmel strike bowler Ahmad Qamar will have Miguel in his sights, so expect fireworks!
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 3 T20 Group 3 (Evening Fixture)
🏏 Cork Harlequins 4th XI vs Limerick Blasters 3rd XI
Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork | Start: 3:00pm
Harlequins 4ths face a quick second game, and squad rotation may be key. Blasters 3rds will look to apply pressure with spin and sharp fielding under evening skies.
🗓️ Saturday, 7 June – MCU Division 1 T20 (Late Fixtures)
🏏 County Kerry 2nd XI vs Nenagh CC 1st XI
Venue: Oyster Oval, Tralee | Start: 5:00pm
Kerry’s second fixture of the day could test depth and stamina. Nenagh’s first XI will want to capitalise, especially if Kerry’s bowling options are stretched. The dynamic middle order batter Usman Butt of Kerry will be eyeing the boundary ropes, but Nenagh’s Sreenivas Pockathara Maniappan will have other ideas, especially after his recent 5 wicket haul with the ball.
🏏 Midleton CC 2nd XI vs Clare CC 1st XI
Venue: Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon | Start: 5:00pm
Clare play their second of the day, but they have the squad depth to handle back-to-back fixtures. Midleton’s 2nds will need a disciplined bowling effort to contain the Clare top order.
🗓️ Sunday, 8 June
🏏 Lismore CC 1st XI vs Cork County CC 3rd XI
Division 2 T20 | Venue: Castlelands, Lismore | Start: 10:15am
Lismore’s 1sts will look to dominate early in front of a home crowd. Cork County 3rds bring good individual talent but may be tested by Lismore’s attack.
🏏 Cork Harlequins 2nd XI vs Midleton CC 1st XI
Division 1 (45 Overs) | Venue: Farmers Cross, Cork | Start: 11:00am
A longer-format clash where Harlequins’ experience could be key. Midleton’s first XI are always competitive and may target a strong batting performance to control the game.
🏏 County Kerry 4th XI vs Limerick Blasters 3rd XI
Division 3A | Venue: Oyster Oval, Tralee | Start: 11:00am**
Both teams are building consistency this season. Blasters 3rds have shown flashes of potential, while Kerry 4ths will be keen to register a result on home soil.
🏏 Cork County CC Women’s 1st XI vs Limerick CC Women’s 1st XI
T15 Women Superleague | Venue: The Mardyke | Start: 11:30am**
A key women’s fixture in the Superleague, with Cork hosting a determined Limerick side. Expect a lively contest with bat and ball, with several rising talents on display. Watch out for Snigdha Sibi from Limerick, and all rounder Sara kamel from Cork County!
🏏 Limerick Blasters 2nd XI vs Clare CC 2nd XI
Division 2 T20 | Venue: Castlelands, Lismore | Start: 1:30pm**
Blasters 2nds are keen to make an impact in Division 2, while Clare’s second string have the tools to cause problems, particularly with the new ball.
🗓️ Tuesday, 10 June
🏏 Cork County CC 2nd XI vs UCC CC 1st XI
Division 1 T20 | Venue: The Mardyke, Cork | Start: 6:00pm**
A twilight T20 under lights at The Mardyke always brings drama. UCC’s youthful side will be tested by Cork’s structured bowling and deep batting order.
🗓️ Thursday, 12 June – MCU Premier T20 League
🏏 Cork County CC 1st XI vs Cork Harlequins CC 1st XI
Venue: The Mardyke | Start: 6:00pm**
A marquee clash between two of the MCU’s top sides. Expect high quality, close margins, and strong local support as County and Harlequins renew their rivalry. With a team sheet that includes names like Adrianatos, Duggan and Hamdullah Safi, Cork County will be looking to seize the initiative. But Quins have players with the pedigree to mount a stiff challenge. Look out for Brewster, Kislay, Jones and Dangi and the rest of the Quins XI. Added spice: Ex Quins player Zubair Khan will be facing off against his old club, so it’s bound to be a blockbuster fixture. Buckle up!
🏏 Midleton CC 1st XI vs UCC CC 1st XI
Venue: Townparks, Midleton | Start: 6:00pm**
Midleton’s disciplined approach meets UCC’s free-flowing style in this evening showdown. The toss could prove crucial, especially if wind and light becomes a factor.
