No matter what happens in the remainder of the summer, this year is destined to be the best yet for North County since its formation in the 1980s. Last Saturday, the Lewis Traub League title was captured with that emphatic defeat of Merrion. "That was our first major victory, and it was great to savour the success," said North County's captain, John Andrews.

"We won Section B of the Senior League last year, but that's not the same as winning the league itself, and we are in the Senior Cup final. Last Saturday's win will definitely be good for the future of the club and it will also help the young lads coming through, they're all thrilled about Saturday's win, which makes them part of the bigger picture."

North County have already reached the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup, sponsored by Royal Liver (when they will again face Merrion), and on current form should also do well in the other Leinster Senior League, sponsored by Whitney Moore & Keller.

So this year it has been all go for North County, formed by the amalgamation of two local clubs, Man O' War and Balrothery, which now combine to play in Fingal competitions.

North County now fields five teams every weekend as well as age-group sides from under-19 right down to under-11. "Since we moved to our new ground at Balrothery we have droves of kids coming in because the place is far more accessible than our old HQ at The Nevitt," added Andrews.

South African Andre Botha, the star all-rounder who moved from Clontarf this season, helps out with the coaching.

Like the majority of North County's players, Andrews learned his cricket with Balrothery. "The Mooneys, a great local cricket family, were my neighbours, and like most local kids, I automatically drifted into the game. There is a great cricket tradition in Fingal. "The games mightn't always have been played in the best spirit, but they were played hard, and we didn't give each other an inch."

Andrews acknowledges efforts of the Leinster Cricket Union (LCU). Development officer Brian O'Rourke is doing a tremendous job, the LCU has also backed North County's Centre of Excellence at Balrothery. "The union is pushing the boat out and encouraging our development plans and that is all for the betterment of cricket." Irish club cricket would be improved further by the introduction of an All-Ireland League, Andrews believes.

Meantime, there are more pressing matters, like that Cup semi-final against Merrion. "I fancy our chances; cricket has a habit of jumping up and giving you a kick in the backside, but all the same, we'll really be up for it"