Cork County took on Leinster Champions YMCA in the Semi-Final of the All-Ireland T20 Cup at Sydney Parade. A positive display with the ball restricted the Dubliners to 131 from their 20 but the YM bowling attack proved too strong and denied County gaining any momentum in their chase. You can read the CricketEurope match report below:
It wasn’t straightforward though as an impressive bowling display by the Munster men had YM in deep trouble at 62 for 5 with their much-vaunted trio of internationals back in the hutch, as well as skipper Jack Tector and younger brother Tim.
Skipper Abubakar Saddique (2-19) and Rudolph Pollard (4-30) did most of the early damage, but with the game in the balance a vital run a ball stand of 45 between Bobby Gamble (30) and Wilhelm de Klerk (20) saved the Claremont Road side.
South African born Pollard, who now works in Ireland, is a former Boland U19 leg-spinner who converted to seam.
He suffered early punishment from Harry Tector (26 from 11 balls) but gained revenge by bowling him with the final delivery of his first spell.
He returned to dismiss Bobby Gamble and Rory Anders with the first two balls of his next spell to claim a hat-trick that went unnoticed at the time.
Tom Anders dented his figures by striking three boundaries from the last four balls, to give a final total of 131 – something for the YMCA attack to defend.
And defend it they did, with something to spare as the Cork innings never gained momentum at any stage.
Curtis Campher gave his best display in YM colours taking 4 for 13, with there were also two wickets apiece for Simi Singh and Rory Anders. Opening bowlers Mikey O’Reilly and Tom Anders also took one scalp apiece as the bowling unit had no weak links – Cork 91 all out.
“We are delighted to get the win after being on the rocks at 62 for 5,” skipper Tector told CricketEurope afterwards.
“All credit to Bobby Gamble and Wilhelm de Klerk for their brilliant partnership which got us to a total that was probably par on the pitch.
“I thought the bowling unit were outstanding for us sticking to their plans very well, with Curtis doing exceptionally with his four wickets.
“It’s certainly been a great few days for the club and we are really looking forward to next weekend and an All-Ireland final against Donemana. Hopefully we can finish the season off with two more wins.”
The final is scheduled for Belmont on Saturday 19th, but maybe moved with Comber a possibility.
With the winners next Saturday scheduled to play CIYMS on Sunday, there may be a possibility of playing back-to-back games on Saturday to save the winners an overnight stay or having to travel again on Sunday.
(source: CricketEurope)
