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Posts Tagged ‘Midleton Cricket Club’

Cork County U12 & U14 Blitz at The Mardyke 

Wednesday, July 27th, 2016

Cork U12 and U14 Cricket Blitz 2016Cork County are pleased to unveil details of an U12 and U14 Blitz to be played at the Mardyke on Sunday, 31st July. There will be 2 competitions run on the day at both U12 and U14 levels for what we hope will be a great day of underage cricket. Organisation of the event is thanks to Cork County’s Youth Administrator, John Simon, in conjunction with his compatriots at each of the visiting teams so it is hoped for plenty of support on the day.

Can all Cork County players who wish to confirm availability, do so on Teamer by clicking here.

U12 Competition
U14 Competition
Team 1
Cork County 1
Team 1
Cork County
Team 2
Cork County 2
Team 2
Harlequins
Team 3
Midleton
Team 3
Midleton
Team 4
Limerick
Team 4
Limerick
Team 5
Harlequins
Team 5
Lismore

 

Under 12 Competition Schedule

Pitch
Time
Match
Round
1
10am
Cork County 1
v
Harlequins
1
1
2
10am
Cork County 2
v
Limerick
2
1
1
11.15am
Midleton
v
Cork County 1
3
2
2
11.15am
Harlequins
v
Cork County 2
4
2
1
12.30pm
Harlequins
v
Limerick
5
3
2
12.30pm
Midleton
v
Cork County 2
6
3
1
1.45pm
Cork County 2
v
Cork County 1
7
4
2
1.45pm
Limerick
v
Midleton
8
4
1
3pm
Midleton
v
Harlequins
9
5
2
3pm
Cork County 1
v
Limerick
10
5
1
4.30pm
Parent
v
Child
Special
Special

 

Under 14 Competition Schedule

Pitch
Time
Match
Round
3
10am
Cork County
v
Limsmore
1
1
3
11.15am
Harlequins
v
Limerick
2
2
3
12.30pm
Loser Match 1
v
Loser Match 2
3
3
3
1.45pm
Midleton
v
Winner Match 3
4
4
3
3pm
Winner Match 1
v
Winner Match 2
5
5
3
4.30pm
Loser Match 4
v
Loser Match 5
6
Plate Final
3
5.45pm
Winner Match 4
v
Winner Match 5
7
Shield Final

 

Format

Volunteers

ABBEY LOGOThe day will be approx 9 hours tops (9:30am-6:30pm) with 10 teams participating, with up to 100 children on site. The gate will be manned for that period to ensure site security for the kids involved and volunteers will be club members, parents and visiting team mentors/parents.

First Aid

A first aid station will be manned for the day by the for the St Johns Ambulance for day. Cork County will be covering costs via fundraising which will happen on the day.

Food

The club will make food available at a nominal charge for same, however we also suggest that all players bring a drink and some food for the day.

Shield

Cork County will be putting up an U12 and U14 shield for the event.

Bar

The club bar will be open for the day for teas/coffees etc. throughout the day.

Fundraising

The event will be used as an opportunity to fundraise for the club with a raffle being organised with spot prizes which we hope for your support.

Registration

Registration forms will be provided on the day and all players must register prior to playing.

Rules

Underage Cricket Tournament 2016- Format

The tournament will be played between teams with 8-a-side format with maximum of 11 players per team.

No player is allowed to play for more than one team at the same age level. Players are allowed to play for different teams at different age levels.

In an event of dispute, the main umpire’s decision is final. Each participating team is to nominate a main umpire for the day who will be allocated matches to umpire.

U12 Matches will be played using soft cricket balls. Stumps will be provided for each match. Teams/Players must bring their own gear. Points are awarded to teams for the 5 rounds, with the top team being awarded the shield. If teams are level on points, the head to head result between the top 2 teams will decide. If that was a draw then Runs Scored over the entire tournament will decide the winner. Failing this it will be a bowl out.

U14 Matches will be played using Junior Hard balls. Stumps will be provided for each match. Teams/Players must bring their own gear. Format is a knockout competition, with all teams playing at least 2 matches.
Each innings will be of 6 overs or 30 minutes in time, whichever is reached first. For any innings which do not complete 6 overs in 30 minutes, a penalty of 2 runs per ball not bowled will be applied against the bowling side. Club umpires should bring a watch to time innings.

A Minimum of 3 bowlers have to be used, bowlers can bowl maximum of 2 overs.

No Last Man Batting.

No substitution of players is allowed during a match unless a player is injured or unable to play. Substitute will only be allowed to field.

There will be up to 3 matches played simultaneously.

The pitch length will be 22 yards for U14 and 20 yards for U12

A new ball is to be provided at the beginning of each inning for all the U14 games.

If there is a dispute of any sort with any call, Organizers call will be final.

There will be several designated areas for rubbish disposal. Water bottles and other items should be disposed in the designated areas only. Each team manager is responsible to make sure your team members comply.

For further details on youth cricket coaching sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact the following:

John Simon (Youth Administrator)

 

Contact the Club

 

Weekend Preview – 29th & 30th June

Friday, June 28th, 2013

Saturday 29th:

Division 1

Cork County 1 had been scheduled to travel East to Midleton RFC for their Division 1 game but as the Mardyke was free, and Midleton graciously accepted the invitation to move the game, it will now be played at the home of Munster Cricket. Although County are missing skipper Andy Wootton who has been in good form with the ball recently, they go in as favourites having won all three league games thus far. They will be in a confident mood after last Sunday’s drubbing of Co. Clare 1 and experience as well as good form should see them over the line.

The team is an excellent blend of youth and experience. Aidan Kelleher, Haris Khan and Luke Harris will all get a taste of first team action while also making their Senior débuts with be accompanied by experienced campaigners Ross Durity, Robert Duggan (who will captain the side in Wootton’s absence), Morne Bauer and Siddarth Joshi will also play. Junaid Amin, Ahmed Bilal, Sid Joshi and Abubakar Saddique will all be looking to make an impact with the ball, while Durity, Duggan, Bauer and Coleman will be the main players with the bat.

Midleton, second from bottom in Div. 1 will be looking to boost themselves up the table but, on the face of it at least, all the signs point to a win for County.

The Cork County 1 team is as follows:
1. Robert Duggan*
2. Ross Durity
3. Morne Bauer
4. Ian Coleman+
5. Siddharth Joshi
6. Abubakar Saddique
7. Junaid Amin
8. Bhatti Ahmed Bilal
9. Haris Khan
10. Aidan Kelleher
11. Luke Harris

Junior Cup Semi-Final

County 2 travel to Tralee for their semi final matchup with Kerry 1. On a mat which has caused all visiting teams extreme difficulty, and with a side devoid of vice-captain Kevin Bray and top-order batsman John Kelly, it looks like an uphill struggle for Kevin O’Sullivan’s side who sit third in Division 2.

Their hosts, although rock bottom of Division 2 with no wins have already beaten WIT in the Junior Cup and will look to extend their win streak in the competition. County have beaten Kerry 1 this year in the league but with off-spinner Brian Scott out due to injury, seamer Junaid Amin playing with the firsts as well as the missing Kevin Bray and John Kelly it may be a different story this time around. On a positive note however, with the exams now over, Hugh O’Brien and William Bradley both return to the County line-up having missed all of the season to this point. Debutant Charlie Kane will be looking to make an impact while Peter Barlow and Paul McDowell are also available to the Cork side.

Sunday 30th:

Division 2

County 2 return from Kerry on Saturday and play Limerick on the following day. Boasting a 6 wicket victory over the visitors from early in the season, and a team of relative strength, County will be looking for an impressive victory on Sunday to propel them from 3rd spot right back into the title race.

Captain Kevin O’Sullivan has youngsters Aidan Kelleher and Martin Keohane available to him as well as ‘keeper Ian Coleman and batsmen Brad Morgan and John Kelly. Narsa Renjarla and Ahmed Bilal will be looking to impress with the ball on the(weather permitting) grass wicket and the visitors who play all their games on an artificial could find difficulty.

Write off Nigel Aspinall’s Limerick side at your peril however. They showed that they could score 245 against a tough Nenagh bowling attack and push them close at the end of the game.

County will have to be alert from the very start in order to maintain their good start to the season.

Munster Junior Cup Quarter Final: Midleton 2 v Cork County 2

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

Cork County Cricket Club crestCork County 2 took on Midleton 2 in the quarter final of the Junior Cup on Saturday 14th of July at Midleton RFC. County captain Niall Tynan won the toss and chose to bat first on the artificial wicket on what was an overcast day in East Cork.

Brad Morgan and Mirza Baig opened the batting for the visitors but the partnership was broken up quickly, Morgan (1) cutting straight to gully in the 3rd over.

Ian Coleman (22) joined Baig at the crease and both settled in well, playing some nice shots but only scoring the very occasional boundary due to the length of the grass on what is very much a rugby pitch.

The introduction of Cliff Sweetnam for Midleton led to a number of chances, Ian Coleman was dropped twice in the same over at short mid off. While both batsmen had been communicating well throughout the innings to this point a mix up between them led to Coleman being run out by half a pitch length.

Tim Clifford (16) and Mirza Baig put on another solid partnership before Clifford departed, Baig reaching his half century during the third wicket stand.

County skipper Niall Tynan came in at five but was given out shortly afterwards when a delivery which looked like it had hit the pad of the right hander was adjudged to have hit his bat and was caught behind.

Kevin Bray joined Baig at the crease with 12 overs remaining and with the score now at 168 the opening batsman began to hit more expansive shots off the bowling of Ken Higgs and Grant Sweetnam bringing up his century in the process to loud applause from his team-mates.

Bray was caught soon after however and Nicky Murphy came in at seven for the visitors and attempted to get Baig on strike as much as possible to continue to flow of runs for County.

The second run-out of the innings ended his spell at the crease and Kevin O’Sullivan(2) followed soon after, stumped off Ken Higgs. Justin McGurk hit a nice boundary over mid-on but was run out three deliveries later.
With just two balls left in the innings Ryan O’Connell joined Mirza Baig who was still at the crease and they managed to get the score to 216-8 off 45 overs, Baig finishing on 113*.

A mixture of patient batting and poor fielding(17 dropped catches in total) allowing Cork County to set a daunting total for the home side.

After the lunch break seamers Justin McGurk(2-13) and Hugh O’Brien(2-11) set to work attacking Midleton’s opening batsmen and McGurk made an early breakthrough leaving Midleton 4-1 off 3 overs.

Good bowling from both ends troubled the Midleton batsmen with O’Brien very unlucky not to get a wicket in his first spell, consistently beating the bat but failing to find the edge.

Leg-spinner Nicky Murphy replaced O’Brien and had the batsmen in all sorts of trouble picking up three quick wickets and leaving Midleton five down after 18 overs.

Meanwhile off-spinner Tim Clifford had replaced McGurk at the other end and while failing to pick up a wicket bowled extremely well making things very difficult for both batsmen.

Following his spell, fellow off-spinner Kevin O’Sullivan(2-12) bowled five overs up the hill, his second wicket leaving Midleton 8 wickets down.

Captain Niall Tynan bowled an accurate short spell of medium pace from the other end but it was Hugh O’Brien who picked up the last two wickets to give Cork County 2 a comprehensive 151 run victory and a place in the semi-final of the Junior Cup against Galway on Sunday 22nd of July with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Minor Cup: Cork County 3rd XI vs Midleton 2nd XI match report

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Cork County Cricket Club crestCounty 3rds met Midleton 2nds in the quarter-finals of the Munster Minor cup with a place in the semi-finals against either Harlequins 3rds or Nenagh up for grabs.

Midleton won the toss and chose to bowl first on the artificial wicket(the grass wicket could not be used due to recent inclement weather). The decision to bowl looked to be a good one as County openers James McCarthy(capt.) and Narsa Renjarla could do nothing but block out the accurate bowling of seamer Ravi Panda. The pressure on both batsmen increased and despite some nice shots it was the County captain James McCarthy(8) who was the first to fall given out lbw off change bowler Chez Khan(3-24). Number 3 batsman Hassan Shulman soon followed him having been bowled again by Khan. Things got even worse for County when youngster Harris playing in his first ever 3rds game was given out lbw off the very first ball he faced. County were now struggling badly on 24 for 3 and Khan was on a hat trick. However County wicketkeeper Peter Barlow safely negotiated the hat-trick ball and began to build a partnership with Renjarla at the other end. Some solid batting from both players brought County to drinks without the loss of any more wickets but at 55-3 off 20 overs they were were way behind where they should have been thanks to the Midleton bowling attack which had been very tight.

The return of opening bowler Ravi Panda after drinks brought an end to the innings of Narsa Renjarla(38) but it was the bowling of K.Higgs(6-24) which caused the County batsmen serious problems. Aidan Kelleher(4) was the first to fall to Higgs after being bowled. This brought Chris Goncalves to the crease and he got off the mark straightaway with a single behind point. His partnership with Barlow(24) would not last long however, Barlow bowled by Higgs 3 deliveries later. Another wicket fell with the very next ball after Goncalves was run out attempting a single off a cut through point by Kevin O’Sullivan. Goncalves seemed in but the square leg umpire raised the finger and he had to go. This brought in Ryan O’Connell who along with Kevin O’Sullivan tried to get some badly needed County runs. Higgs was still bowling and was still causing problems but an attempted quicker one by the slow bowler was puched through mid-wicket by O’Sullivan for four. O’Connell did well to block out the bowling of both Panda and McGregor playing some nice shots which didn’t quite make it past the infield.

This partnership brought County past the hundred and twenty mark but not much further when Kevin O’Sullivan(13) was bowled in the final over of the game attempting another slog through mid-wicket . Higgs who had bowled excellently throughout his spell got his reward with a hat-trick, Justin McGurk and Luke Harris also falling victim to his bowling. This left County 128 all out after 39.4 overs about 30 runs short of where they wanted to be.

After lunch, Midleton’s opening batsmen C.Khan and A. Levis got to work with Khan smashing everything that came near him without giving up many chances. However the quick bowling off County all-rounder Narsa Renjarla(2-37) caused Levis(2) problems and he was eventually bowled by the seamer. County were encouraged by the early wicket but the new batsman K.Moran(14) caused problems for the bowlers, building a solid partnership with big-hitter Khan before eventually being caught by Justin McGurk at mid-on off the bowling of youngster Aidan Kelleher. The major breakthrough for County 3rds came when Khan(37) was caught by Kevin O’Sullivan at deep mid wicket after he had mistimed a slog sweep, Chris Goncalves claiming the very important wicket for County.

Goncalves (4-22) was full of confidence and soon sent Ravi Panda(1) back to the pavilion after he was judged to be out lbw. Young Midleton batsman A.McMahon(3) help up well against the bowling of Renjarla but was eventually out caught and bowled. This brought Midleton captain Kieran Doran(24) to the crease and he immediately tested the County fielders taking quick ones and twos and frustrating the County bowlers. Left arm spinner Kevin O’Sullivan(1-15) joined the attack and in his second over bowled M.Andrade(4) the right handed batsmen trying to slog a flighted delivery over square leg. Young all-rounder C.McGregor(8) briefly built a partnership with his captain before he was bowled by Goncalves. Despite Doran’s best efforts Midleton were still 23 runs adrift of the target of 129 and he was next to fall caught by Kevin O’Sullivan at cover after mistiming a drive off Goncalves. It was a nervy finish for both teams with K.Higgs(6) nearly sealing it for Midleton but he was tricked by a slower ball from McGurk(2-15) and was out lbw before he could reach the magic total. Midleton’s last hope fell to Jim Doran brother of captain Kieran Doran but that hope was extinguished when McGurk bowled him first ball to secure victory for County in the cup.

Cork County 3rd XI beat Midleton 2nd XI by 8 runs at the Mardyke in the Munster Minor Cup.

A positive two weeks on the road for Cork County

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Cork County continued their positive run of form following their demolition of Limerick Raiders in the Munster Senior Cup quarter final at the Mardyke. Next up over the June Bank Holiday weekend were tricky away ties at Midleton in MCU Division 1 and Leinster CC in LCU Division 2.

Saturday June 4th

The away trip to Midleton brought the Mardyke side to unfamiliar territory with the East Cork club having moved from their old grounds at Midleton College out to the grounds of Midleton RFC. The home side won the toss and put the league holders into bat on the new artificial surface and immediately County were in trouble losing Shannon Madden and the returning Robert Duggan, both adjudged caught behind. Both the openers were soon followed by overseas player George Barry who was out to an excellent diving catch at point. At 9-3 the County middle order had to scramble into action with Ross Durity and Sidhz Joshi joining each other in the middle; what followed was an outstanding exhibition of composure and power as both batsmen recorded centuries – Durity (164) and Joshi (127*) in a Club record 280 run 4th wicket partnership to take the game away from the home side to leave Cork County on 348-5 after their 50 overs.

In response, Midleton put up a brave fight after losing some early wickets with middle order batsman Robert Smyth (110) recording a century of his own. James Duggan, who returned to the County side following his college exams, finished up with figures of 4-30 having bowled some excellent line and length. Overall it was a lacklustre fielding display from the Mardyke side as they had one eye on Monday’s trip to Rathmines and also having put such a large total on the board for Midleton to chase. In the end they bowled out the home side for 236 which handed County an impressive 112 run victory.

MCU Division 1:
Cork County 348-5 beat Midleton 236 all out by 112 runs at Midleton RFC.


Monday June 6th

Bank holiday Monday brought a tough trip up to Observatory Road in Rathmines for a clash with high flying Leinster CC. The home side, who were relegated from Division 1 last season, are hoping for an immediate return to the top division and so represented a good barometer for the Mardyke side. On a decent looking wicket Cork County skipper, Bruce Koch, won the toss and decided to bat. His decision was vindicated with another solid start from the opening partnership of Durity and Madden with Durity in particular looking very fluent in the middle. The partnership was broken with the score on 40 after Durity was adjudged LBW by Buksh. Barry entered the fray with some explosive hitting down the ground but a missed timed drive saw his demise to a straightforward catch at extra cover. Koch then proceeded to stroke the ball around the famous Rathmines ground with typical aplomb with hint of power every now and then. Unfortunately the middle collapsed around him with Joshi, O’Leary, Fogarty and Wootton all departing for a combined score of 4 as a result of some superb swing bowling from Carroll! Former skipper, Robert Duggan, joined Koch at the crease and attempted to get his captain on strike as often as possible entering the final 10 overs and with the batting power play imminent. However, following a sharp piece of fielding from Jones, Duggan was run out and Koch (76) soon followed leaving County with a total of 203 to defend.

With a total probably 20-30 runs short of a satisfactory score to defend, County knew they needed early wickets and they delivered with an exemplary opening attack from Bruce Koch and George Barry. Barry probed with excellent line and length while Koch bowled with great venom as they both tore into the Leinster top order removing the two dangermen Jones and Schultz with the score still under 70. Some exceptional keeping from wicket keeper Shannon Madden aided the two openers reducing the home side to 74-7. County’s fielding was generally excellent with one or two exceptions. However, a superb 8th wicket partnership between Byrne (36) and man-of-the-match Carroll (66) brought Leinster to within victory but County fought back to bring themselves to the verge of victory with the home side on 181-9. Carroll continued to play in a composed manner and guided his side to a nail biting victory by 1 wicket with a boundary through mid wicket with only 3 overs remaining. It was a great spectacle for the neutrals with both sides going toe to toe in a fine game of cricket.

LCU Division 2:
Leinster 203-9 beat Cork County 202 all out by 1 wicket at Observatory Lane.


Saturday June 11th

Following the disappointment of the 1 wicket loss to Leinster CC, County faced another tricky away trip the following weekend with a journey down to Carriganore in Waterford to face WIT. Last season the Mardyke side found both of their trips to Waterford more than a difficult obstacle so they were not underestimating the task in hand this year. However, with a crucial LCU Division 2 home tie against Old Belvedere the following day, County rested some first team regulars. In the absence of Bruce Koch, Ross Durity captained the side which saw senior debuts for both seamers Brian O’Leary and Farhan. The match also saw the return of Brad Morgan to the Cork County senior side after his ‘brief’ hiatus to Cork Harlequins last season. WIT won the toss and decided to bat. An innings typified with plenty of aerial shots saw the home side set a total of 213 with Haq Nawaz reaching 53 with debutant Brian O’Leary finishing with figures of 3-39.

On an artificial with uneven bounce, Cork County openers Shannon Madden and Ross Durity were determined to establish a solid start. After an uncomfortable innings, Shannon was caught behind for 15 and he was soon followed by overseas player George Barry who was adjudged LBW to Adeel. Robert Duggan joined Durity in the middle and both experienced batsmen were eager to consolidate the innings. However, Durity soon departed to an excellent caught and bowled by Adeel. Des O’Leary joined Duggan and both combined to form a solid partnership with both players playing some nice shots down the ground and square of the wicket. With County cruising towards victory, O’Leary mistimed a full delivery and was clean bowled by Nawaz. A well crafted innings by Duggan saw him soon reach his half century and he began to open up with victory in sight and finished the game on 77 not out. Victory was secured with Creedon dispatching a full delivery from Adeel to secure an impressive 5 wicket victory at a demanding venue.

MCU Division 1:
Cork County 215-5 beat WIT 213 all out by 5 wickets at Carriganore.

To view the full scorecards please click here.


County close to claiming the title – (Sean Power, Evening Echo)

Friday, August 20th, 2010

They say victory is never secure until the Fat Lady sings but, not having even booked the Diva for her final performance, Cork County believe they have won this season’s Munster Senior League. “It’s a done deal now” says County’s Captain Robert Duggan following the Mardyke side’s authoritative win over Midleton at the College grounds on Sunday. “No one can stop us now” he asserted.

Nor, it seems, can they. With a lead of over 50 points and a match in hand, with three games to play, all at the Mardyke, the statistics, and the facts, stack up in County’s favour. The pennant of champions will undoubtedly fly high at the Mardyke following this strategic win at Midleton.

Three wickets and six overs turned out to the winning margin at the end of an encounter that was both entertaining and enthralling. Midleton, urged on by their captain, Kuros Mohammadi, fought the brave and good fight until capitulation was inevitable. The 20-plus points that County garnished from their wholehearted endeavours added up to their now unassailable position at the top of the table.

County were assumed to be embarking on a transitional phase at the beginning of this season but such has been the influence of captain Robert Duggan; Bruce Koch with his man of the match performances; Matt Reed with his calm commitment; and the form of the younger brigade, such as Chris Banon and Oliver Creedon – both of whom put in match winning displays on Sunday – amounted to performances that had to be anointed with success.

And so they have. Furthermore, County could make it a league and cup double if they are successful against Limerick Raiders next month in what has long been accepted as the Blue Riband of cricket. Midleton can hold their heads up high. They made 191 all out and Andy Wootton (3 for 46), Bruce Koch (2 for 25), Matt Reed (2 for 43) and Ciarán Healy (2 for 57) had to work overtime to take their wickets. Clinton Laverty, with his majestic 82, saw Midleton to their 191 total in 42 overs, helped significantly by David Sommerfield who, for a very long period, thwarted the hostile attack in making 24.

Cork County never quite sparkled in their innings and once again, Koch (37) was their top scorer. Oliver Creedon was defiant in the face of some very potent strike bowling, and was an imposing and impressive opening batsman, either playing forward or off the back foot. There was, also, a joy of an innings from Chris Banon who brought County to the cusp of victory before Matt Reed and Noel Cronin reached their objective without too much strife.

Bigger games in the Leinster League are looming and County, while prudently celebrating their new celebrity as league champions, must wait longer to ascertain their true status in both Leinster and Munster, seeing that the Cup Final is still on the domestic agenda and big matches await them in Dublin.

Sean Power
Evening Echo, 19 August 2010, page 55.

County battle to victory in Midleton to edge closer to Division 1 title

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Cork County moved a step closer to regaining the Munster League Division 1 title on Sunday with a hard fought victory over Midleton at Midleton College. Two weeks after both sides served up a similarly nerve-racking finish in their Munster Senior Cup semi-final at the same venue, they clashed again in a top of the table league match. County knew victory would push them to within touching distance of regaining the Munster Division 1 title after narrowly missing out last season while Midleton knew victory would propel them back onto mix for the title.

Cork County were without opening seamer James Duggan and all-rounder Andrew Saul but still fielded a strong team to take on the East Cork side with the inclusion of the returning Andrew Wootton after his holidays. Winning the toss once again, County opted to have a bowl first hoping to dismiss Midleton for a manageable total. Openers Bruce Koch (2-25) and Andrew Wootton (3-46) bowled with great control and posing difficulty for the Midleton top order dismissing Hitchmough, Mohammadi and Gomesz in quick succession. Ciarán Healy (2-57) and Matt Reed (2-43) took over from the openers in almost 24 degree heat and dismissed the bulk of the Midleton middle order of McDonnell, Dethridge and Whittaker for very little, however, experienced all-rounder Clinton Laverty showed great determination and patience as he hung in there with support from tail-ender David Sommerfield. To the frustration of the Cork County attack, their partnership with a high degree of luck pushed Midelton towards a very respectable total. Finally, Sommerfield was dismissed by a medium pace wobbler from Wootton and he was soon followed by Laverty who finished on 82. Midleton were bowled out for a very respectable 191 in testing conditions.

Cork County knew from previous experience that they would have to dig deep to chase down such a total particularly with the condition of the wicket deteriorating rapidly. Openers Oliver Creedon and Ross Durity hoped to emulate their previous 100 run first wicket stand at the same venue two weeks ago. However, Durity was dismissed trying to pull a short ball from Managuruge but top edging back into the bowlers hands. Skipper Duggan soon followed after he was caught at backward point trying to square cut a short wide ball from Glen Gomesz. In form South African, Bruce Koch, joined Creedon at the crease and both looked to consolidate the County innings. Koch (37) was soon into his stride despatching the Midleton attack to all parts of the field. With their partnership gradually gaining pace, Creedon was adjudged LBW in a very ‘questionable’ decision by the umpire after being struck on his thigh by a ball from Managuruge. Michael Wycherley (20) took up where Creedon left off by supporting Koch at the crease, however, their partnership was ended prematurely after another dubious decision against Koch when he was adjudged LBW despite having made a long stride down the pitch to a bowler who consistently shaped the ball down leg. Chris Banon (33) joined Wycherley in the middle and both batted with great authority and control with Banon in particular showing great composure in testing conditions as he waited for the bad balls. It was a timely innings from the young left hander and should give him great confidence going into the final weeks of the season. Wycherley departed after being bowled by a sharp Yorker from Laverty and he was followed by Wootton after he was adjudged LBW despite having got a thick inside edge. County players and supporters were feeling that decisions were really going against them however their fighting spirit came to the fore once again with their very own ‘Michael Bevan’ in the guise of Matt Reed (16 not out) guiding County home in another match winning performance, ably supported by the promising young all-rounder Noelie Cronin.

The victory was greeted with great jubilation by players and supporters alike as the importance was not lost, knowing that victory next Sunday against Harlequins would all but seal the Division 1 title for the Mardyke side. The side’s depth and character has been tested throughout the season and each time they have responded with great resilience and determination.

Sunday 15th August at Midleton College:
Midleton 191 all out (Laverty 82, Wootton 3-46, Koch 2-25, Reed 2-43)
Cork County 192-7 (Koch 37, Banon 33, Wycherley 20, Mahaguruge 3-41, Gomesz 2-38)
scorecard

County into Senior Cup Final after thriller against Midleton

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Cork County are into the 2010 Munster Senior Cup Final after tight affair in East Cork against Midleton. Midleton were put into bat by Cork County and made a hard fought 220-8 from their 50 overs. In reply Cork County reached the required target in the 49th over with Matt Reed hitting the winning runs to take County into the Senior Cup Final for the first time in two years. The Mardyke side will face Limerick Raiders in the final on September 5th after they comprehensively outplayed Cork Harlequins at Famers Cross in the other semi-final.

Match report to follow…

MCU Senior Cup Semi-Final:
Midleton 220-8 (D. McDonnell 75, J. Noone 55, R. Duggan 2-34, B. Koch 1-27, A. Saul 1-28)
Cork County 221-7 (B. Koch 54, R. Durity 48, O. Creedon 47, J. Noone 3-25, W. Islam 2-32)
Cork County won by 3 wickets

Cork County cruise to victory over Midleton in Division 1

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Cork County returned to local action after last weekend’s double header in Dublin as they took on Midleton in Munster League Division 1 at the Mardyke. County were in confident mood after a well deserved emphatic win against Dublin University on the previous Sunday and with temperatures reaching the mid twenties and not a cloud in the sky conditions were almost perfect for cricket at the Mardyke. County were still without the services of vice Captain Ross Durity (broken finger) and lost middle order batsman Matt Reed to a back problem, however, opening bowler Parvez Ali was returning to the fold after his own injury problems.

Midleton skipper Clinton Laverty won the toss and decided to have a bat with conditions seemingly set fair for batting. With the return of Parvez Ali, the Cork County bowling attack was looking quite strong as he complimented in form Bruce Koch along with James Duggan, Ciarán Healy and skipper Robert Duggan. The Cork County opening bowlers Duggan and Ali bowled with great control and aggression as they gave the Midleton opening pair Mohammadi and Finn a torrid time limiting the Midleton run-rate to less than two runs an over after 6. Duggan deservedly took the wicket of Mohammadi as he drove a ball directly into the hands of Ciarán Healy at mid-off. Midleton danger man Dean Wilson soon followed after being caught LBW by Duggan. The other opening batsman Finn continued to frustrate the County bowlers as he played and missed regularly however he was eventually caught in his crease by a Yorker from Parvez Ali and was adjudged LBW. After the introduction of some off-spin from Ciarán Healy, the wickets of Whittaker and Gomesz soon followed as they both holed out to mid-off and long-on, respectively. A brief cameo from young Midleton batsman Liam Noone (26 runs) provided some rest bite and pushed the Midleton total towards 100 but with the introduction of South African paceman Bruce Koch into the attack he soon was caught behind by Chris Banon. The Midleton tail soon capitulated Koch taking a further three wickets to bring his tally to 4 for the match and skipper Duggan took the final wicket of Managuruge to leave County chasing a target of 103 runs to win.

Without regular openers, Ross Durity and Andrew Wootton, County kept faith with Mirza Baig at the top of the order after his impressive knock against Trinity the previous week and also gave young all-rounder Kevin Bray a go at opening the innings. The early conditions proved difficult with the Midleton bowlers, Laverty in particular, getting a lot of swing movement and also some variable bounce from the foot marks of Cork County’s James Duggan. Baig some found his rhythm and played some lovely shots off his legs and down the ground off the bowling of Dean Wilson. Bray was providing solid defence at the other end but he fell to an inside edge off the bowling of Laverty. Robert Duggan replaced Bray at the crease and took his time to get used to the bowler friendly conditions. Mirza Baig let his confidence get the better of him as he tried to play another shot down the ground off the bowling of Midelton first change Managuruge and was bowled. Bruce Koch replaced Baig at the crease and set about closing off the game in partnership with Duggan. Koch’s good form continued as he soon started timing some lovely shots to both the off and leg sides but early on was unfortunate enough to pick out the fielders. Duggan departed for just 13 after he was caught behind off the bowling of Managuruge after he played at a short ball which rose off the pitch a bit more then he thought. Young in form batsman Chris Banon replaced the skipper and was soon into his stride with some great shots off his legs and down the ground. Koch soon joined in and managed to reverse sweep a ball from young leg spinner Oliver Ind for 4. With County closing in on a convincing win against the East Cork side Koch was determined to finish the match off in style by smashing medium pacer John Noone into the clubhouse for a huge 6. Koch finished the match on 37 not out and Banon finished on 15 not out resulting in a 7 wicket victory for the Mardyke side as they returned to the top of the Division 1 table.

Cork County team: R. Duggan*, B. Koch, C. Banon†, J. Duggan, P. Ali, M.J. Wycherley, C. Healy, M. Baig, B. Morgan, K. Bray & R. Durity.

Sunday May 23rd:
Cork County 106-3 beat Midleton 102 all out by 7 wickets at the Mardyke. scorecard