It was a quieter weekend for the club with only three games scheduled – and one of those lost to the weather.
The Men’s 1st XI were the only side to take the field, and it turned out to be a weekend of two halves: disappointment on Saturday, followed by a sensational win on Sunday to book a place in the Quarter Final of the Irish Senior Cup! 🍀
🆚 Premier League vs Merrion CC – Saturday
The lads travelled to Merrion, lost the toss, and were put in to bat. The top order struggled, but Cam Rowe – celebrating his recent birthday – stood tall with an excellent 73. He received good support from Dylan Lues, Seb De Oliveira, and Jordan Hollard to help get us to what was considered a below-par total of 250.
Then the rain arrived, and it looked like the match would be washed out. However, the skies cleared, and Merrion were given a revised target of 158 off 22 overs. We started well, but dropped catches and some expensive overs let Merrion and their skipper Max Sorensen off the hook, and he blasted them to the win.
Not the start to the weekend the lads wanted – it’s been a tough start to the league, but we’ll keep fighting. On to the next.
🏆 Irish Senior Cup Last 16 vs Leinster CC – Sunday
After a wet week and lots of work by our incredible grounds volunteers, Sunday’s game went ahead at Jack Harper Park – and what a match it turned out to be!
We lost the toss again and were asked to bat on a wicket expected to suit the bowlers. After losing Cam early, Connor Fletcher and Chris De Freitas steadied the ship, getting us to 48/1. However, once they were out for 34 and 21 respectively, wickets tumbled. Only Seb offered some resistance as we were bundled out for 102 – a disappointing total despite the bowler-friendly conditions.
But Coach Andre and the team weren’t done. The lads were back out warming up straight away, fully focused. Everyone knew early wickets were essential – and that’s exactly what we got.
Matt Hollard came steaming down the hill, backed up by Birthday Boy Seb bowling brilliantly uphill. Together they ripped through Leinster’s top order, reducing them to 34/5 at the tea break. Game on!
After tea, Leinster fought back with a good partnership between Joe Carroll and Mark Tonge, taking them to 61. Enter Andy Darroch, who loves a big occasion – and he delivered, taking both of their wickets and turning the match back in our favour.
Seb struck again, and a run-out left Leinster 75/9 – on the brink of defeat. But the visitors dug in, and their last pair edged closer… 90… 95… the tension grew.
Then, with Leinster just 3 runs away from victory, Matt Hollard charged in once more and clean bowled the final batter – sparking scenes of jubilation from the Balbriggan supporters! 🎉
It was a memorable day all round – with the BBQ fired up, a kids’ coaching clinic running in the indoor centre, and a fantastic crowd in attendance.
🙏 Huge Thanks To:
- Luke for organising the off-field festivities
- Chuka, Craig, Duane, Tatum and all the volunteers
- The grounds team for their hard work during a rainy week
- Our matchday sponsors Travelodge Plus and Powell Insulations
Thanks also to Leinster CC for an incredible game – we look forward to welcoming you back in future!
A final word for the players: thank you for providing a match that swerved from disaster to glory with a grandstand finish. That’s what cup cricket is all about.
📈 On to the Quarter-Finals!
We’ve never reached the semi-final of the Irish Senior Cup… could this be the year?
Back the Brig! 🔵🏏💯
Senior Teams Sponsored by The Bracken Court Hotel
