Hard to look past Leinster side lifting Irish Senior Cup

Cricket: IN SYNC with the recent weather, the domestic season heats up this weekend with the first round of the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup.

The all-Ireland competition has been dominated over the last number of years by teams from Leinster, with six of the eight winners since the turn of the century coming from the province. Much of that dominance is down to North County's four victories in the last seven years, although the superstitious out there will point to the fact that the Fingal superpower win the trophy only in odd-numbered years.

The new rules in place this year that allow the participation of overseas professionals and restrict those who are not qualified to play for Ireland may level the playing field somewhat, but it's still hard to look past a Leinster side lifting the trophy come the first week in September.

Defending champions North County should prove too strong for northwest side Ardmore in their opener, despite being without Ireland internationals Andre Botha and John Mooney. Their South African professional, Denver De Cruz, has already made an impact, and with Ireland international Reinhardt Strydom and stalwarts such as brothers Conor and Dara Armstrong among their ranks, they should comfortably make the second round.

Champions in 2006, Railway Union have all the firepower required to launch another assault on the title. Former Ireland captain Trent Johnston may have stepped back from the international scene for now, but his competitive spirit will be focused on seeing the hugely-talented Sandymount outfit go all the way yet again.

His side face a tough opener away to Limavady, but Johnston will be confident in a side that contains fellow internationals Kevin O'Brien, Thinus Fourie and Kenny Carroll, as well as talented Aussie professional Trent Copeland.

The Hills should also come through their trip to the northwest against Fox Lodge, while Leinster have the talent to beat NICS at Stormont.

The top two sides in the NCU travel to Dublin for their opening ties, with North Down taking on Malahide in an intriguing clash at The Village, while Waringstown look too strong for Pembroke at Sydney Parade.

Clontarf look likely to take the honours against Bangor at Castle Avenue, while Merrion should see off Glendermott in their tie at Anglesea Road.