Limerick CC Holds Nerve to Clinch MCU Division 1 Victory Against Cork County
Limerick CC 2nd XI secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Cork County CC 2nd XI in an MCU Division 1 encounter played at Adare Manor, Limerick on April 27th, 2024.
Electing to bowl first, Limerick managed to restrict Cork County to a total of 208/8 in their allotted 45 overs. Sourabh Teke (0/6) and Nishant Kumar (1/19) provided early breakthroughs for Limerick, dismissing the Cork openers cheaply. Yogesh Borghare (1/63), Sarfraz Ramay (1/83), Dharmesh Patel (1/143), Ayan Ullah (1/156), Manoj Sharma (1/178) were among the wicket-takers for Limerick. Despite an excellent 79 from Robert Duggan which should have given the Mardyke Side a platform to build a high score they finished on 208.
In reply, Limerick started cautiously, reaching 50 runs in 12 overs. They continued to chip away at the target, with a 50-run stand between Ayan Ullah (50 runs, 79 balls) and Dharmesh Patel (22 runs, 32 balls) for the fifth wicket proving crucial. Ayan Ullah, who top-scored for Limerick with a well-made fifty, was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his anchoring knock. Crucial cameos from other batsmen ensured they stayed ahead of the required run rate.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Limerick managed to hold their nerve and chase down the target with three wickets remaining in the 44th over. Cork County’s bowlers did well to pick up wickets at regular intervals, but Limerick’s batting depth proved enough to see them over the line.
This victory will be a major boost for Limerick CC 2nd XI in their quest for MCU Division 1 glory.
Limerick Blasters Crush Nenagh CC by 126 Runs in Dominant MCU Display
Limerick Blasters CC 1st XI continued their fine form in MCU Division 1 with a crushing 126-run victory over Nenagh CC 1st XI at Croker’s Oval, Ballyneety on April 27th, 2024.
Electing to bat first, Limerick openers got off to a flying start, scoring at a rapid pace. George Raju (49 runs) provided an early impetus before being dismissed in the 7th over. However, the fall of his wicket brought Anunath Gopinathan Valsala (50 runs) to the crease, and he unleashed a scintillating knock. Valsala struck six fours and three sixes in his 39-ball fifty, putting Limerick firmly in control.
He stitched together a crucial 100-run partnership with Sindo Puthur Devassy (50 runs) for the second wicket, further consolidating Limerick’s position. Devassy continued his good touch after Valsala’s dismissal, reaching his own fifty in 77 balls. The middle order chipped in with valuable contributions, with Rahul Poulose (23 runs) and Lino Varghese (18 runs) adding a quickfire fifty for the fifth wicket.
Limerick Blasters amassed a mammoth total of 301/5 in their allotted 45 overs, with the batting order displaying remarkable depth. Nenagh’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with wickets being shared amongst themselves.
In reply, Nenagh CC’s chase never really got going. They were restricted to a paltry 175 all out in 37.5 overs. The Limerick bowlers maintained good discipline throughout the innings, picking up wickets at regular intervals.
Anunath Gopinathan Valsala, who played a match-winning knock at the top of the order, was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his blistering fifty.
Nenagh CC 3rd XI Crush Clare CC 3rd XI by 93 Runs in MCU Division 3 B
Nenagh CC 3rd XI secured a convincing 93-run victory over Clare CC 3rd XI in an MCU Division 3 B encounter played at Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds, Nenagh on April 28th, 2024.
Clare CC 3rd XI won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nenagh CC 3rd XI got off to a shaky start, losing their first five wickets for just 27 runs. However, a superb partnership between Lethin Mathew (50 runs) and Ebin Baby (50 runs) rescued their innings. The duo added 100 runs for the seventh wicket, helping Nenagh CC 3rd XI reach a respectable total of 198 all out in their 40 overs.
In reply, Clare CC 3rd XI never really got going and were bundled out for a paltry 105 runs.
Lethin Mathew, who played a crucial knock of 50 runs, was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his efforts.
This victory will be a major boost for Nenagh CC 3rd XI in their quest for the MCU Division 3 B title.
Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI Hold off United Cricket Clonmel Challenge in MCU Division 3 A
Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI edged past United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI by a narrow margin of 8 runs in a thrilling MCU Division 3 A encounter played at Lisronagh Castle Grounds, Clonmel on April 27th, 2024.
United Cricket Clonmel 2nd XI won the toss and opted to field first. Limerick Blasters got off to a slow start, losing their first wicket for just 9 runs. Ananthu Krishnan (9 runs) and Arunraj Thalappilly (49 runs) steadied the ship with a 40-run stand for the second wicket. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and Limerick Blasters found themselves restricted to a modest total of 170 runs in their allotted 40 overs. United Cricket Clonmel’s bowlers did well to chip away at wickets, with Renny Abraham and Awais Khan picking up two wickets apiece.
In reply, United Cricket Clonmel’s chase got off to a decent start. However, they suffered a similar batting collapse to Limerick Blasters, losing wickets consistently. Despite a valiant effort from their middle order, United Cricket Clonmel fell short by just 8 runs, eventually being bowled out for 162 runs.
The bowlers shared the spoils for both teams, with no one claiming a fifer. However, a combined bowling effort helped Limerick Blasters secure a vital victory.
This win will be a major confidence boost for Limerick Blasters CC 3rd XI in their quest for the MCU Division 3 A title.
