It was a stop-start week for Balbriggan CC, with rain wiping out several fixtures. But where play was possible, our teams made it count – especially the 4s, who pulled off two brilliant wins!
🔹 Wednesday – Men’s 4th XI vs Clontarf 5
Knowing they must win this game by atleast 100 runs to stand any chance of qualifying from their t20 cup group, Avinash and the team set out on posting a large target. It was a statement performance from the 4s, blending explosive hitting with disciplined bowling and tight fielding.
Balbriggan 215/7 beat Clontarf 100 all out
- Avinash Anthony smashed 77 from 52 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes)
- Shahid Khan lit up the innings with a stunning 50 from just 12 balls (6x4s, 5x6s, SR: 317!)
- Druhan Knight contributed a handy 28
With the ball:
- Druhan Knight 2/22
- Neeraj Kumar 2/10
- Avinash Anthony 2/15
- Hamza and Karan – 1 wicket each
- Keeper Kanaka Athukorala took 2 sharp catches behind the stumps
🌧️ Thursday – Rain Strikes
- Men’s 2nd XI vs Clontarf – Rained Off
- Women’s 1st XI vs Merrion – Rained Off
🌧️ Saturday – More Washouts
- Men’s 5th XI vs Wexford – Rained Off
- Men’s 1st XI vs Pembroke – Rained Off
🔹 Sunday – Men’s 1st XI vs North County – Leinster Senior Cup
North County 233/9 beat Balbriggan 169 all out
We removed both openers for 0 and had North County at 114/4, thanks to a tight spell by Matthew Hollard who finished with 4/17 from 9 overs. Seb De Oliveira and Jordan Hollard took 2 wickets each, with Andy Darroch getting the key wicket of Eddie Richardson (65) with a sharp caught-and-bowled.
The fielding was challenging on a wet outfield, and several dropped catches proved costly.
With the bat, we had a solid start – 41-run opening stand between Cameron Rowe and Connor Fletcher (27), followed by a fantastic 58 from Chris De Freitas and 26 from Seb De Oliveira. But from 126/3, we lost wickets in clusters and were all out for 169.
North County progress to the semi-final. Our cup run ends here.
It was a day of missed opportunities in difficult conditions. There was no lack of effort, but key moments slipped away – a reminder of the fine margins in knockout cricket. Plenty to be proud of, and lessons to take forward.
🔹 Sunday – Men’s 4th XI vs Swords
Balbriggan 186/7 beat Swords 185/9
A gutsy team performance saw the 4s notch up a brilliant chase in a tight contest!
- Neeraj Kumar – 3/41
- Dinesh Ravichandar – 2/25
- Karan – 1/43
- Valliraja Muthukrishnan – 1/15
- Avinash Anthony – 1/29
Then with the bat:
- Avinash Anthony – 50
- Qutubuddin Sheik – 28
- Jack Flynn – 25*
- Hamza Anjum – 21*
Skipper Avinash Anthony had this to say about the game “Massive congratulations to everyone for pulling off a brilliant win today. The heart, grit, and fight we showed out there is what this team is all about.“
Special praise to the bowlers for their discipline and pressure. And what a composed, match-winning finish from Jack and Hamza, who calmly guided us home under intense pressure.
Let’s enjoy this win – it was fully deserved. Onwards and upwards! 💪🔥
Senior Teams Sponsored by: The Bracken Court Hotel
