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Cork County clinch the Munster Senior Cup in convincing fashion

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

Cork County completed a Munster Senior and Junior Cup double as they finished the 2012 season in impressive fashion by convincingly defeating Galway Cricket Club in the Munster show-piece final at the Mardyke. The Cup victory capped off another successful season in senior competitions, losing just one game in both league and cup which is was a fantastic effort considering the poor weather which prevented the Leesiders gaining any form of momentum throughout the season.

After losing the toss, Cork County were put in to bat by Galway Captain Danesh Ali who was hoping to capitalise on any early seam movement on a good looking wicket at the Mardyke. However, after the early losses of Captain Ross Durity and Brad Morgan the Leesiders began to take the initiative with Stephen Stone (57) and Robert Duggan (22) striking some impressive shots to both sides of the wicket and dampening the early Galway enthusiasm. They were followed by an exhilarating innings from Man of the Match Morne Bauer who took the game out of reach of the Connacht men with a fantastic knock of 123, peppering the boundary at the Mardyke on regular occasions. A brief cameo from veteran Andy Wootton (27*) helped County to an impressive total of 288-8.

In reply, Galway needed to get off to a steady start but were unable to deal with the craft and guile of Abubaker Saddique who tore through the top order with a devastating spell of bowling finishing with figures of 6 for 20 including the possibility of hat-trick. Galway had no answer to County’s left orthodox bowler and they breathed a sigh of relief when he completed his 10 overs with the Connacht men teetering on 50-6. A resolute fightback from Galway’s star man Waqqas Raja (69) and Umair (26) gave a bit of respectability to their total but once Waqqas was caught and bowled by Reed the tail soon folded and Galway were finally bowled out for 167 in the 40th over.

Munster Senior Cup Final

Cork County 288-8 beat Co. Galway 167 all out by 121 runs at the Mardyke scorecard

Full Cup Final Gallery



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County cruise into Munster Senior Cup semi-final

Sunday, May 29th, 2011

Cork County began the defence of their Munster Senior Cup crown with a tough Quarter Final draw at home to Limerick Raiders. The fixture brought together the two finalists from last season’s competition where County romped home to a 10 wicket victory. The 2011 Cup draw had been unkind to two of the strongest sides in the province as they clashed at such an early stage of the competition.

After a positive batting performance last weekend away in Malahide with rain preventing a possible victory for the Mardyke side, captain Bruce Koch had a full strength squad to choose from with the exception of Robert Duggan. Chris Banon and Andrew Saul returned to the side in what looked to be a very strong County team.

Winning the toss, Koch had no hesitation in choosing to bat in the hope that the strong batting line up would embellish his decision. The developing opening partnership between Ross Durity and Shannon Madden continues to blossom with both providing a solid base to the innings once again. The South African duo of George Barry and Bruce Koch followed at 3 and 4 with displaying some powerful stroke play and looked to take the game away from the Limerick side. However, both fell in unfortunate circumstances with the ball holding up slightly off the wicket in both cases. Chris Banon followed and looked to be returning to form with some composed strokes off his legs and square of the wicket. Banon fell after misjudging one off his legs picking out the square leg fielder.

Man-of-the-match Sidhz Joshi along with Darren Fogarty consolidated the innings and soon began to develop a crucial partnership with Joshi in particular crashing some big stokes over the long-on and long-off boundaries. Fogarty provided able support allowing Joshi to impose himself on the Limerick attack and onto his first century for CorK County at the Mardyke. It was truly an excellent and composed innings from the Indian all-rounder who didn’t give a chance before reaching his ton and departed having scored 110. Fogarty was dismissed caught behind by Faizan for 31 while Matt Reed provided some lower order runs finishing on 22 to push the Cork County total to 314-9.

Limerick Raiders required just over 6 an over to chase down the daunting target of 315 to win and remain in the 2011 Munster Senior Cup. However, from the outset Cork County were determined to extinguish any hope of an upset with the opening seam attack of Banks, Barry and Koch proving too much for the Limerick top order. Matt Reed and Ciarán Healy replaced the seamers to bring the Limerick Raiders innings to an end with the home side bowling them out for just 109 resulting in a 205 run victory and a place in the Munster Senior Cup semi-final. It was a superb all-round effort from the Cork County and in this ominous form it would be hard to see anyone stopping them on their charge to another league and cup double this season.

The Mardyke also welcomed a famous cricketing figure on Saturday with South African test captain Graeme Smith popping in to enjoy some cricket while in Cork with his fiancée Morgan Deane. Graeme was more than happy to sign autographs and have pictures taken while also enjoying some great shots from Ross Durity.

Cork County 314-9 beat Limerick Raiders 109 all out by 205 runs at the Mardyke.

Cork County: B. Koch*, R. Durity, C. Banon, D. Fogarty, C. Healy, S. Joshi, S. Madden+, G. Barry, M. Reed, A. Saul, K. Banks.

Limerick Raiders: A. Khan*, S. Alam, U. Khan, A. Ahmed, F. Bhagat, M. Faizan +, M. Sharif, M. Ahmed, K. Javid, S. Javid, J. Arshed and Q. Zaidi











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Munster Senior Cup Quarter-Final team news

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Cork County begin the defence of their Munster Senior Cup title on Saturday at the Mardyke when they take on the side they defeated in last season’s final, Limerick Raiders. The draw has been unkind to both of the strongest sides in the competition as they are drawn together at the Quarter Final stage. Cork County can select from a full squad with the exception of the injured Robert Duggan and have announced a very strong side for Saturday’s quarter final tie.

After last weekend’s impressive showing in the Leinster League Division 2 clash against Malahide when County were on course to set Malahide a challenging total before the weather intervened. Cork County finished their innings in the 41st over on 209-6 with captain Bruce Koch looking in ominous form on 60* while opener Ross Durity (35) and overseas player George Barry (32) also made good starts. After a strong showing for the 2nd XI when be scored 84 runs on Sunday, Chris Banon returns to the side to replace Des O’Leary while Andrew Saul also comes back into the side to replace Andrew Wootton.

Munster Senior Cup – Quarter Final:
Saturday 28th May:
Cork County v Limerick Raiders, Mardyke (12.00 p.m.)

  1. Bruce Koch*
  2. Keith Banks
  3. Chris Banon
  4. George Barry
  5. Ross Durity
  6. Darren Fogarty
  7. Ciaran Healy
  8. Sidhz Joshi
  9. Shannon Madden+
  10. Matt Reed
  11. Andrew Saul


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Koch to lead Cork County for 2011

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Munster Player of the Year, Bruce Koch, was duly elected as Club Captain of Cork County for the coming 2011 season at last night’s Annual General Meeting. Koch received overwhelming support for the captaincy after an inspired season with bat and ball during 2010. He takes over from outgoing captain, Robert Duggan, who led the Club to a Munster League and Cup double and also consolidating their position in Leinster League Division 2.

The meeting also saw the election of a new committee for the coming season with Kieran Aherne continuing on in his role as Club President while David Griffin and Donal Donovan returned to their positions of Honorary Treasurer and Secretary, respectively. The newly elected committee will comprise Peter Dineen, Robert Duggan, Matt Reed, William J. Bradley, Andrew Wootton, Dick Creedon and Mortimer Kelleher. Cricket Manager, Peter Dineen, informed the meeting that preparations for the upcoming season, in which Cork County will participate in a full schedule of Leinster Division 2 fixtures, were well under way.

The efforts of the steering committee led by Shay Livingstone, John Power and David Griffin and the project management team of Matt Reed and Stephen Hickey which combined to oversee the superb renovation of the clubhouse and Pavilion following the severe flooding of November 2009 were duly noted and graciously appreciated by all in attendance. Congratulations were also aknowledged for Bruce Koch on winning the Munster Player of the Year in recognition of his outstanding season and also for Chris Banon who won Munster U-17 Player of the Year after a superb breakthrough season for the Presentation Brothers College youngster.



Cork County CC Officers for 2011:
Club President: Kieran Aherne
Club Treasurer: David Griffin
Club Secretary: Donal Donovan
Club Captain: Bruce Koch
2nd XI Captain: tba
3rd XI Captain: William J. Bradley
4th XI Captain: Eugene McCarthy

Club Committe:
Peter Dineen
Robert Duggan
William J. Bradley
Matt Reed
Andrew Wootton
Mortimer Kelleher

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Successful night for Cork County at the MCU awards

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

Despite the severe winter weather there was an impressive turn-out for the Munster Cricket Union 2010 Awards ceremony hosted by MCU President, Gerry Horan, and MCU Chairman, Jack Filen at Cork County’s splendidly refurbished clubhouse at the Mardyke last Saturday night.

The weather did have some impact, however, as members of Waterford District CC were unable to travel to collect the trophy and winners’ medals which they were due to receive for winning the Division 3 title in their inaugural season in MCU competition.

Cork County CC’s Bruce Koch took the premier individual award when he was named MCU Player of the Year for 2010.

The award was due recognition for what was a golden summer for Koch whose performances with both bat and ball were the key factors in leading Cork County to the Division 1 and Senior Cup double.

Bruce’s batting average was a remarkable 118.25 as he compiled an aggregate of 473 runs from nine visits to the crease with a top score of 100 not out and his equally impressive bowling average saw him take 25 wickets at 12.08.

Earlier in the evening the impressive progress being made at underage level in the province was acknowledged with the presentation of individual awards for the MCU Players of the Year in the U17, U15, U13 and U11 age group categories.

MCU U17 Player of the Year was presented to Cork County CC’s Chris Banon who topped the Munster U17s XI batting averages in the team’s debut season in the LCU U17 League with 181 runs in 7 innings at an average of 36.2 with a top score of 85.

In announcing the award Munster CDO James Doran noted that apart from his contribution with the bat, Chris’s shrewd captaincy had also been a major factor in the Munster U17s highly successful campaign in Leinster which saw them reach the final of the competition at the first attempt.

Ruadhan Jones of Cork Harlequins CC was named MCU U15 Player of the Year following an outstanding interprovincial tournament for the Munster U13s averaging 71.66 with the bat with a top score of 139 and key contributions to the Munster U15 and U17 teams in 2010. For the U17s as an opening bat he had totalled 111 runs at an average of 18.5 and featured in three of the top five partnerships including the only century partnership of the campaign – a match-winning 120 for the first wicket with Rory O’Keeffe in a winner-takes-all final group match against YMCA.

The MCU U13 Player of the Year award went to John Kelly Jnr of Clonmel CC for his achievement in being the leading wicket taker for Munster at the U13 interprovincial tournament taking in total 5 wickets for 83 runs at an average of 16.2 which was the best economy rate of the Munster bowlers at 3.52. He was also third in the Munster batting averages with 29 runs in two innings for an average of 14.5.

The last of the individual awards, the MCU U11 Player of the Year, was presented to Nathan Bryan of Lismore CC who was Lismore’s leading performer with the ball in 2010 for both the club’s U11 and U13 XIs.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Division 1 and Division 2 trophies and winners’ medals to the Cork County 1st and 2nd XIs capping a remarkable year for the Leesiders who only a year before had seen their ground and clubhouse devastated by floodwater.

Jim Doran
(courtesy of the Munster Cricket Blog)

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County secure Senior League and Cup Double in convincing fashion

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Keeping up appearances. This, Cork County did with aplomb when virtually dismissing the challenge of Limerick Raiders in their eagerly awaited Munster Senior Cup final at the Mardyke. Aiming to secure the League and Cup double for a season that heralded so many good omens, County went about their expected mammoth clash against one of their bogey sides with an intent that was almost brutal in its execution.

On a day when rain always threatened to ruin the proceedings, Cork County captain, Robert Duggan, on winning the toss, had no hesitation in putting Limerick into bat. Thereafter, it was mostly down hill for a willing and brave side who either succumbed to the challenge offered by County or simply imploded in the atmosphere of the big occasion. Perhaps it was a combination of the two that resulted in this final terminating in mid afternoon, just before the rains came.

The search for new talent is a relentless pursuit at Cork County who have been the kingpins of cricket in Munster going back generations. On Sunday a new star was born or, the astute Mardyke mentors would suggest, Dessie O’Leary displayed his rich talent with the bat that they knew was always part of his armoury. Facing a meagre total of 99 for a win, O’Leary and his opening partner, vice captain Ross Durity knocked off the required runs with consummate ease.

Durity was known for his many regal displays, but, on this occasion, in the Blue Ribon clash for the Munster Cup, he was outshone by O’Leary whose commanding presence at the crease ensured that County’s pursuit of the ultimate honours would be but a stroll in the park.

His dexterity, his power and his treatment of the Limerick bowlers gave him an aura of invincibility which bode so much good for County and suggested so much grief for Limeriick. His innings started well and ended gloriously with the winning boundary of imperial majesty struck through the covers.

This was no docile Limerick side with captain Azeem Khan expecting his team to perform in a winning vein. Their troubles came early when the indestructible Bruce Koch rattled their cage, taking 4 for 14 in ten overs. Seamer James Duggan, who seems to have added a yard of pace to his deliveries, reinforced the gauntlet with his 3 for 29 and Andrew Saul(2 for 29) ensure there was no escape route.

Zakia at 27 was their highest scorer and Shraza, at 15, put some respectibility to the total when County threatened total annihilation.Compare these statistics to O’Leary’s 51 not out and Durity’s not out 42 and the gulf between the sides becomes quite evident.

Captain Robert Duggan and his team were able to celebrate the Double at an early stage of the afternoon,even before Tipperary in Croke Park, had their moment of glory.

Cup finals were never expected to be like this and umpires, Michael Hickey and Paddy Comerford saw their day so unexpectedly abbreviated by the size of the Cork County triumph. In presenting the trophy to captain Duggan, Munster Cricket Union President, Gerry Horan praised the excellence of the County team and stressed he was certain that Limerick Raiders would be back next season with renewed vigour and zest.

Man of the match adjudicator, Bertie Coleman had no hesitation in nominating Dessie O’Leary for this award, a decision which gained unanimous approval.

Madras Cup—- It was Ladies Day at the Mardyke on Saturday when the club’s female stars took on North Kildare for the Madras Cup. As holders, the Matt Reed trained Cork girls were defending the trophy they first won last year. They appreciated the difficulty of their assignment on a day when the sun suggested summer would stay with us forever.

But, the glow of heat was generated mostly by North Kildare who made 136 for their 25 overs, despite Emer Twomey and Mary Long each taking two wickets.In reply, Cork could only manage 122 which left them perilously short of their target.Captain Laura Peters made a redoubtable 25; Valerie Barry chipped in with 20 and Tamsin Cunniffe(18) made brave and valiant efforts to chase down the North Kildare score. All, however, to no avail but, as captain Peters proclaimed, next season we will turn the scales.

********
Rugby Players in Action—The Mardyke played host to the inaugural Shay Livingstone’s Cork County selection against a team drawn from Cork Constitution.There were a lot of bragging rights on offer to the winners so there was a keenness about the proceedings. All the participants have been major winners on the rugby union scene and some, like Brian Walsh, would have made the international side had he opted for the cricket code.

Livingstone’s marauders had to eat humble pie in the end, losing by a scant nine runs.The 149 Con accumulated, thanks to Dara Lyons and, Kenny Murphy, who was awarded the Rochestown Park Hotel trophy as man of the match.

Brian Walsh, as expected, top scored with 24 and the others to make their mark for Livingstone’s eleven were Packy Durham and Noel Walsh.

More to come next season. .

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Cork County hit form to douse Terenure fire

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Cork County showed why they are Munster champions by the calibre of their play against Terenure in a vital Leinster League match in Dublin last Saturday. Their stunning display against one of the league’s top sides saw them victorious in a titanic finale.

This was Cork County at their best. In a nail biting final over, Andrew Saul hit a two off the last ball to take the Mardyke side past the winning post by one run, a win they richly deserved on the run of play. For all that, it was very hard earned. They faced a total of 240 and because of the way the pitch played, it looked an insurmountable target.

Cork County’s attack this season has been spearheaded by some remarkable returns from Bruce Koch, Matt Reed, Andrew Wootton and James Duggan, which gave the Dyke side a considerable edge in their domestic league. However, it was an ominous sign that, despite line and length bowling, Terenure were quite up to the task of scoring enough runs in their innings to set the visitors a very daunting task.

Robert Duggan’s warriors were not to be fazed and in newcomer Simon Ridley and Bruce Koch they possessed the nucleus of batting talent to save the day. And they accomplished with reassuring skill and technique. It was a joy to see these two in action. In the end, Ridley was but one run short of his century and Koch, the most impressive player of the entire season, was out for 60.

Though nearing the magic total of 240, County, as always, provided a heart-thumping climax as Andrew Wootton was forced into an all-out offensive mode, as the overs ran down, and his huge six and clever boundary in the penultimate over put the onus on Saul to clinch the match. Two off the last ball of the match, in mounting tension and anxiety, gave the Cork team their one run win.

“Yes we can” was their slogan, to which the obvious riposte should certainly be “yes we did!” “This was a mighty performance and a very significant win” said Captain Robert Duggan, who will lead his side against Limerick Raiders in the Provincial Cup decider at the Mardyke this coming Sunday, September 5th. In this kind of form, and having a full panel to pick from, it is difficult to see County playing second fiddle to any team in the Province. Yet, Limerick are quite capable of surprises but it would take a major upheaval to knock the league champions off their lofty pedestal. But, by their unpredictable nature, cup encounters have a habit of burying certainties and elevating challengers to high pinnacles of success. This final will provide all the answers.

It is a big ask to require a Cork team to play two vital Leinster League matches in Dublin on successive days. Cork County knew this, as a condition of gaining entry, and have undertaken the onerous programme of travel and matches without demur. For all that, it is quite exhausting and County showed this characteristic in their game against Old Belvedere at Cabra on Sunday.

Emotionally drained, they capitulated rather tamely and Belvedere’s 220 was a bridge too far for the visitors. Des O’Leary, with a well crafted 60, tried to restore equilibrium with the bat and James Duggan, with the ball, but to no great avail. Cork County’s 150 fell appreciably short by 70 runs. It dampened, somewhat, the exhilaration of the result against Terenure the previous day but it underlined their determination to continue to compete at the highest levels.

Now, the end is near. Two more Leinster League games, the first against Pembroke at Oak Hill, Wicklow on September 11th followed by the previously postponed match against The Hills at Milverton, the following day will finally determine the status of the team and the Club for the 2010 season. All to play for ,and all to look forward to.

Sean Power
Evening Echo, Thursday, September 2nd, 2010.

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2010 Munster Senior Cup Final team news

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

The Cork County squad which has been selected for the Munster Senior Cup Final against Limerick Raiders on Sunday, the 5th of September, is as follows:

  1. R. Duggan *
  2. R. Durity
  3. B. Koch
  4. A. Saul
  5. C. Banon
  6. D. O’Leary +
  7. J. Duggan
  8. A. Wootton
  9. M.J. Wycherley
  10. M. Reed
  11. C. Healy
  12. T. Clifford
  13. O. Creedon

Players are to meet at the Mardyke at 10.30 a.m..

2010 Munster Senior Cup Final:

Cork County V Limerick Raiders

Sunday 5th September at the Mardyke


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County brush Quins aside to claim 2010 Division 1 League Title

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Cork County took on local rivals Cork Harlequins at the Mardyke last Sunday with the home side knowing that victory would hand them the Munster League Division 1 title. Victory would put County into an unassailable lead in the league standings with second placed Midleton running out of games to have any hope of clawing them back. Cork County were without all-rounder Andrew Saul and the injured Darren Fogarty but welcomed back seamer James Duggan into what was a strong side.

After winning the toss Harlequins captain, Cormac Wilcox, decided to have a bat on what was some of the best batting conditions at the Mardyke all season. With a hint of disappointment the Cork County side prepared to have a bowl and deny the Farmers Cross side the opportunity of building any sort of competitive total. Openers, James Duggan (0-10) and Indian pace man Sujith Girija (4-14), bowled with great control and verve with great carry through to the keeper, Des O’Leary. The Quins’ innings didn’t begin well with the run out of Ruadhan Jones after some sharp fielding at mid wicket by Robert Duggan. His dismissal was soon followed by young Rory O’Keefe who edged a sharp delivery from Girija straight to Bruce Koch at second slip. These two early wickets marked the start of a collapse in the Harlequins innings with not one player in the line-up reaching double figures for the second time in as many matches against the Mardyke side. Medium pacers, Matt Reed (1-17) and Andrew Wootton (3-7), as always took the pace off the ball with movement both into and away from the batsman. Denying them any room to free their arms and get any momentum into their innings. Once the final Harlequins wicket of Liam Hale fell, they had massed the meagre total of 54 all out for the home side to chase.

With such a small total to chase, Cork County opened the batting with the clean hitting Michael John Wycherley (20*) and skipper Robert Duggan (32*), both of whom were determined to chase down the total quickly without the loss of any wickets. Both batsmen played some great shots down the ground and square of the wicket as they went at almost 10 runs per over. They were aided, however, by some mediocre bowling from the Farmers Cross side. With 4 runs needed for victory, Cork County captain Robert Duggan pulled a short ball from Brendan Winslow for a boundary to clinch the 2010 Munster League Division 1 title. The boundary was greeted with celebration from the County players and supporters as they claimed the Division 1 title for the second time in three years. The manner of the victory by ten wickets typified the determination and fighting quality that Cork County have shown throughout the league campaign from the pre-season right up this title clinching victory.

All attention now turns to Leinster League Division 2 action this weekend as County travel to Dublin to take on Terenure and Old Belvedere in two crucial fixtures with their fate in the league still to be decided with four games remaining. The Munster Senior Cup Final follows on Sunday the 5th September against a strong Limerick Raiders side at the Mardyke as County hope to secure the League and Cup double to emulate the great Mardyke sides of the 90’s and early 2000’s.

Sunday August 22nd: Cork County 55-0 beat Cork Harlequins 54 all out by 10 wickets at the Mardyke scorecard

Upcoming Fixtures:
Saturday 28th: Terenure v Cork County at Terenure
Sunday 29th: Old Belvedere v Cork County at Cabra

Munster Senior Cup Final:
Sunday 5th September: Cork County v Limerick Raiders at the Mardyke

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Cork County into Senior Cup semi-final after thriller in Galway

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Division 1 league cricket took a backseat as Cork County turned their attention to regaining the Munster Senior Cup after the huge disappointment of crashing out at the quarter final stage to Galway last season. As luck would have it the draw for this season’s competition pit the two clubs against each other once again, on this occasion County had to make the long trip to Lydican in Galway. County were determined not to underestimate the Tribesmen after last season’s disappointment and brought a strong side up for the Senior Cup quarter final tie. Cork County were without West Indian all-rounder Andrew Saul and off-spinner Ciarán Healy but welcomed back skipper Robert Duggan after he missed last weekend’s match at home to WIT.

After arriving at the picturesque Lydican ground in Oranmore on the outskirts of Galway City the start of the match was delayed due to a heavy shower, however, once it had cleared Cork County skipper Duggan won the toss and decided to bowl. County opener James Duggan appeared a bit stiff after the long trip and took one or two over’s to settle into his rhythm while Parvez Ali bowled with his usual probing line and length without much luck. Duggan some found his line and length removing opener Bindal and number four batsman Speldewinde. Andrew Wootton replaced Parvez Ali from the clubhouse end and soon bowled opener Shane O’Malley with a ball which beat his outside edge and knocking over off stump. Some excellent ground fielding by vice captain Ross Durity led to the run out of number three batsman Vishal. At this stage, Cork County appeared in control with the Galway batsmen unable to build any meaningful partnerships. Number five batsman Imran had other ideas and immediately from ball one was intent on taking the attack to the County bowlers, taking a particular liking to all-rounder Bruce Koch’s bowling smashing one or two back over the South African’s head for 6. However, after taking one or two risk’s too many Imran was undone by the medium pace of Andrew Wootton as he skied one to Robert Duggan at extra-cover.

After Imran’s removal Danesh Ali joined Waqqas at the crease and both batsmen appeared intent on building a big partnership to push the Galway total towards a defendable target. Co. Galway’s star player Waqqas, in particular, batted with great control and power striking some great shots down the ground and off his legs. He was ably supported by Danesh Ali who intelligently got his partner on strike as often as possible. Cork County sought to take the pace off the ball with the introduction of medium pacer Matt Reed and the ploy appeared to work when he trapped Waqqas LBW for 51 runs. The removal of Waqqas injected some zip into the County step as Galway skipper Umair was run out by Koch at backward point for just 2 and he was soon followed by Ted Turton who was caught with a great effort from Andrew Wootton at first slip off the bowling of Reed. Danesh Ali had to take up the mantle of taking the attack to the County bowlers however he was soon bowled by Reed for a well earned 36 runs. Tail-ender Mahon was bowled by Koch leaving Co. Galway with a very competitive total of 201 for the Mardyke side to chase.

The Cork County reply appeared to get off to a promising start with opener Andrew Wootton (11 runs) playing some lovely shots through the covers and off his legs, however; once again he holed out to extra-cover from a ball from Waqqas. Wootton was replaced by captain, Robert Duggan, whose poor form with the bat continued when he was bowled third ball by Waqqas for 0. This signalled the start of an inspired spell of bowling from Galway opener Waqqas as he accounted for a mini collapse by the Cork County top order as Duggan’s departure was soon followed by opener Mirza Baig (8) and both the middle order batsmen Chris Banon (0) and Matt Reed (0); Galway could sense their place in the semi finals was edging closer. With County’s future participation in the 2010 Munster Senior Cup teetering on the verge elimination at 32 for 5, Michael John Wycherley joined in form batsman Bruce Koch at the crease. Koch had made a composed start to his innings, not taking too many risks while keeping the County scoreboard ticking over. Wycherley sensibly assessed the situation and as soon as he got his eye in he looked to take the attack to the Galway bowlers with some calculated blows to all sides of the wicket and in particular through the off-side.

As the partnership developed rapidly the enthusiasm of the Galway bowlers and fielders visibly dropped as Koch got into his stride with some beautifully timed shots through the covers and down the ground. Wycherley’s innings was an inspired and game changing one with the highlights two huge sixes; one over deep square leg and the other over long-off. Koch and Wycherley put on a 100 runs together and the mood in the Cork County team was transformed with thoughts of victory coming to the fore. With Wycherley seemingly in total control he was squared up by a delivery from the opener Danesh Ali, who had returned to finish his spell, and was caught behind for an inspired 45. Wycherley was replaced by Parvez Ali at the crease and he aimed to get Koch on strike as often as possible however he soon followed Wycherley after being bowled by Danesh Ali.

Vice Captain Ross Durity, who is returning to the side after recovering from a broken thumb, joined Koch at the crease with the score on 136 for 7; Cork County still requiring 66 for victory. Durity’s experience was crucial to deal with the pressurised run chase and to build a match winning partnership with Koch. Despite lacking match practise Durity ably worked the ball around to keep the scoreboard ticking over and also trying to get the free scoring Koch on strike. It was clear that Koch would have to bat through the innings if County were to progress into the semi-final. Koch and Durity used all their experience to keep chipping away at the required total while the Galway’s confidence seemed to wane as the Mardyke side edged towards an unlikely victory. At the end of the 43rd over County were suddenly within grasp of victory as Durity played a beautifully timed drive through the covers for 4. The sides were level and County only required one run for victory and with Koch on 96 not out it was set up for him to make his century while clinching victory for County. With Koch on strike at the start of the 44th over and the first ball from Galway skipper Umair in the slot he smashed the ball back over the bowlers head for 6 leading to huge celebrations by the rest of his Cork County teammates. Reaching his century and also clinching victory from the jaws of defeat for his side was an immense effort from the South African all-rounder and he rightly received the adulation of his teammates. Cork County now move on into the semi final of the Munster Senior Cup and face either Midleton at the Mardyke on the 2nd of August.

Munster Senior Cup quarter-final:
Co. Galway 201 all out lost to Cork County 207-7 by 3 wickets at Lydican. scorecard

Cork County team: R. Duggan*, R. Durity, B. Koch, A. Wootton, J. Duggan, P. Ali, M Reed, M.J. Wycherley, C. Banon†, M. Baig & B. Scott.

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