Merrion young guns to be tested

CRICKET:VICTORY IN last year's Leinster Senior Cup final not only bridged a 51-year gap in winning the competition, but also shone a light on some of the young talent that looks like providing the backbone of success for Merrion.

Six teenagers played in the Merrion first XI last summer, with two of those, all-rounder Tyrone Kane, who was the man-of-the-match in that one-run victory over North County in Malahide, and wicket-keeper Patrick Tice, both named this week in the Ireland Under-19 provisional squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia.

Merrion will miss Matt Petrie’s ability with the new ball, but the club have replaced him with fellow Australian all-rounder Tim Lang, who has represented South Australia and was player/coach for University of New South Wales as they won the Sydney grade cricket competition this year.

Former Ireland international Dom Joyce brought the benefits from his winter in Australia to bear last summer by winning the Samuels Cup for best all-rounder in Leinster, while skipper John Anderson and Ben Ackland have both been part of the Ireland A set-up in recent years.

Merrion’s task in claiming a first Leinster League title since 2001 will face a severe test first up today against North County when they travel to Balrothery.

John Mooney has returned to fitness after the torn hamstring injury he suffered during Ireland’s World Twenty20 qualifier back in March to lead a County side that will be missing two other key all-rounders in Shane Getkate and Eddie Richardson.

Last year’s champions Railway Union have lost Ireland all-rounder Trent Johnston to Sandymount neighbours YMCA, a fact that will add spice to the tie between the sides at Claremont Road today. Johnston has taken over as player/coach at YM, while the signing of Simmi Singh as professional adds to their batting strength and spin-bowling armoury, which already includes Ireland off-spinner Albert van der Merwe.

Today’s other opening games in Division One games involve the two sides promoted, with The Hills at home to last year’s Division Two champions Terenure, while Clontarf will have new professional Mitchell Watterson in their side at Castle Avenue for their game against Leinster.