A mixed weekend for Cork County began in glorious sunshine in Dublin on Saturday when the 1st team travelled to Clontarf for the quarter-finals of the Leinster Senior Cup. An understrength County were asked to bat first and despite valiant efforts from Tim Clifford and Aidan Kelliher were bowled out for 124. Clontarf, who are closer to the top of the table than the bottom in Division 1 lost Mark Collier early but were able to push on and reach the victory target in just over 20 overs.
Sunday saw the 1st team return to LCU Division 2 league action, this time against Rush in Kenure. A dominant bowling display saw Rush reduced to 164 all out and the home side could not prevent County from securing a comprehensive 8 wicket win. This win ensures that County are now 40 points clear of third placed Leinster in the League table.
Sunday also saw the semi-final of the Munster Junior Cup in Farmers Cross. County were asked to bat first but lost wickets at regular intervals, Barry O’Sullivan(39) the only batsman that threatened the home side’s bowlers on a slow, low wicket. County were eventually bowled out for 101 in 28 overs. An early strike by Justin McGurk(1-18) saw ‘Quins reduced to 5-1 but a solid second wicket partnership brought the within 30 runs of victory. A triple strike by Kevin O’Sullivan(3-26) and a wicket for Chris Van Heerden gave some hope to the away side but a six off the last ball of the 23rd over ensured a five wicket victory for Harlequins.
