The Cricketer's Tale

Twas a rare and pleasant sunrise that didst greet our Merry Band as we parad'd our way hither and yon to the manor of Michael Byers, Gentleman of the parish of Booters Town, on this past Lord’s Day. Whilst some dally’d ‘pon the way, to takest pleasure at the fine sight of Stately Gary Burrows, Esquire, wielding his broad Batt in practice at the Home of the Foxes of Pembroke. Others, being mindful of the great Repast being lovingly prepared by Mistress Lucy, hurry’d without undue delay to the Byers’ abode, whence we feast’d ‘pon such goodly food that has never before been seen by such glad eyes. A full haunch of venison with associated vittals and offal was provid’d by the Lady of the Manor, alongside skeins of press’d juice from an exotic fruit, simply named ‘Orange’.

Replinish’d by this Feast and smartly attired in fancy red Jerkins, the Merry Troop, with a full Train of apprentices and accompanying wellwishers, and, indeed, with associat’d ne’er do wells, didst sally forth ‘pon their mighty Steeds to the Fields of the Cloth of Green, at the home of the Merrion Cricketing Fraternity. Verily, never a sight was thusfar seen, as this fine Body of Manhood didst provoke fear unto the very hearts of their Illustrious Opponents from the Shire of Knockharley and didst also provoke gasps of Amazement and Longing from the Comely Maidens that didst assemble on the banks to bear witness to this proud Army of Men as they preparest to give glorious Battle to the enemy. Young Master Noah joined the appreciative Throng, proudly dress'd in red Doublet to give voice to Cheers and Hurrahs.

A Groat was toss'd full into the Air to decide 'pon the Order of Battle. Alas, for Squire Byers, he didth loseth the Toss but Girding well his Loins didst enter the Pavilion and thus call'd for a great Fury to fall 'pon the Batters of Knockharley. Young Jack Balbernie, Apprentic'd to Master Spinner Leonard didst take up the Gauntlet and fire the first mighty blows. Forsooth, such Consternation and Confusion didst ensue amongest the Limbs and Minds of the Valiant Yeomen of Knockharley that Verily three of them were swiftly Dispatch'd. Mr Vulker, a Foreign Person, and Master Wallace of the Redhead, toil'd Manfully and Dutifully but with little good Fortune and deserv'd some better Reward. Journeyman Smith was not seen to his best effect and soon Viscount Steve of the McCarthys and Baron Senior, from the esteem'd County of Sussex, ran a Rout through the ranks of the Interlopers. But one Man deem'd the Honour of Knockharley import enough to cause Difficulty for the Men of Pembroke. That Falstaffian Chap, whose name I know naught of, didst Percevere until close to the End. Soon, twas over and the two Enemies conjoin'd over a modest repast.

'Pon the Resumption of Battle, the long Batts of Smith and Sam, son of Byers, didst get to a quick away. Alas, for Smith the true aim of Simba, mighty of Shoulder, saw fit to bowl down the Wick't and caus'd him to retire to Ponder his Fate. But this Mischance saw Young Balbernie stride like a veritable Collossus to join his Good Friend Sam and together they, with much Skill and Care, did face down the Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune. Alas, with Victry within sight, occurred the most Puzzl'ng and Singular Pembroke Collapse, Stately Burrows broad Batt did not Trouble for long and Viscount Steve didst call for his Helmet and Perish. But Huzzah for Master Tucker and Brian of Bannigan, proudly wearing the Favour of Fair Emma, those Stalwart Fellows didst punish Knockharley mightly with Thrusts and Parries and strong Blows to yon Boundary. Victry was well met and a pleasing Speech did come foresooth from Squire Byers. And didst Sharpe, the King of Leinster, anoint the Victors with Medallions and a fitting Cup, that was soon o'erflowing with Foaming Ale and fine French Brandy. And all that remain'd was the Victry March to the home of those Fine Men of Pembroke where Bells were rung and Songs were compos'd to the Honour and Glory of the Fifths of that Ilk.
 

1934, 2008 and now 2010. Michael Byers can now add his name as the captain of a Pembroke Junior Cup winning team. Age, otherwise known as experience allied to the youth provided a perfect team where no-one was left out and where everyone worked tirelessly for each other.

The day started at an early hour as the trio of Burrows, Vulkar and Senior were seen at the Sydney Parade nets at 9:30, in a desperate attempt to warm up old bones, get their eye in and find the right length. Breakfast at the captain's abode followed with a full menu provided by Lucy and OJ poured by the captain. Suitably fuelled and properly attired in "Team Pembroke" shirts the team headed to Merrion to be greeted by the finest day of the summer and a massive ground with the rope at its fullest extent.

Captain Michael Byers lost the toss and it turned out to be a good one to lose. Knockharley found runs hard to come by as the opening bowling combination of Vulkar's pace and Balbirnie's guile knocked over the top order. Jack added to his bowling with a fine run-out to go with his two wickets, including a wrong'un which completely bamboozled the Knockharley number 3. Chris Wallace, despite a number of no-balls, came on and bowled a tight line and length which did not gain the reward it deserved.

Sam Byers was kept extremely busy behind the stumps as balls kept very low or were slung down leg. The number of byes conceded does not reflect the enormity of the task facing him.

Byers, M, then turned to his aged change bowlers, Smith, McCarthy and Senior who operated with various degrees of success. Senior was fortunate to finish with 3 wickets, including a caught and bowled from a full toss from the one Knockharley batsman to be able to knuckle down and ensure his team had some sort of total to defend. The returning Chris Wallace and Jack Balbirnie brought about the end of the innings 4 overs short of the 40 available with the scoreboard showing 129.

Tea was taken between innings, although not too much was eaten such were the nerves of both sides. Sam Byers and Sean Smith opened the Pembroke reply and got the team off to a flyer with 18 runs from the first three overs. However Sean perished to a fast straight ball and brought Jack Balbirnie to the crease. Sam's stay ended with the score on 49 with his main priority of seeing off the opening bowlers accomplished.

Jack played beautifully with two shots square of the wicket bringing particular joy to the sidelines. He had been joined by Lorcan Tucker who proceeded to anchor the innings to such an extent that he was there at the end, undefeated. Big match temperament.

Jack eventually perished and Gary Burrows stay in the middle was not too long with a trademark shot to deep square leg finding the fielder with such accuracy that he did not have to move even one step to gather the ball cleanly. McCarthy then took to the middle and stopped any ideas of a flurry of wickets handing the initiative back to Knockharley. Steve then fell to the returning opening bowler as the Knockharley played his last cards. This merely brought Brian "BooBoo" Bannigan to the wicket.

In good nick as shown by last week's 79, he continued in the same vein here. Playing all manner of shots he remained with Lorcan until the finishing line was crossed. Brian was not dismissed in the cup this year and will be looking to be promoted up the order after this display.

Thus the Junior Cup returns to Sydney Parade and having waited 74 years to win it once have now won it again a mere two years later. Jack Balbirnie was named a well deserved Man-of-the-Match for his 33 runs, 2 wickets and outstanding fielding. Captain Michael Byers collected the cup to the cheers of the spectators and his team.

The cheers and applause were just as loud as the team make their way up the wall upon their return to the Pembroke bar. It was a fabulous day with a fabulous performance by a fabulous team.  

Brian Bannigan did all he could to secure a place in the Junior Cup Final team with an undefeated 79 as he carried his bat for 40 overs. Pembroke totalled 158 and tight bowling and fielding ensured Malahide were never going to reach their target. Craig Senior made the Honours Board with a four wicket haul. 

Michael Byers has released the names of his Cup Final 12 (subject to fitness and availability).

He said "In naming this team, I feel that we have a fine team to represent Pembroke. It has been a very tough few days in coming to this decision and whilst congratulating those who made the cut, I wish to thank and put down my appreciation for those who did not make it this time."

The side is:
Byers, Michael.(c):
Byers, S.(+):
Smith, S.:
Balbirnie, J.:
Tucker, L.:
Burrows, G.:
McCarthy, S.:
Bannigan, B.:
Senior, C.:
Vulker, K.:
Wallace, C.:
12th: Clissman, D.

All are asked to attend training on Wednesday at 6pm. 

Fifths Squad for Junior Cup Final
1. Michael W. Byers (capt): Middle order bat
Michael is in his first season of captaincy since the last millennium. He never would have envisaged, after his first four games in charge, that he would have to make such difficult decisions as selection of the side to play in the Junior Cup Final. So many variables to be taken into consideration. Form, experience, availability, appearances for the team, fantasy table, runs, wickets, fielding, the list is endless. So let’s try and help Michael with our run down on those in the frame....
2. Jack Balbirnie: Top order bat: Leg-spin: Wicketkeeper
Jack Balbirnie scored his maiden century two weeks ago and has since travelled overseas with representative team. His run of scores has seen him play for all sides except the Firsts and that will not be too far away. He is the top challenger to Danny Barclay in the fantasy league, which takes no account of youth or representative cricket, and will be striving to chase Danny to the end of the season. His bowling and wicket keeping merely show his enthusiasm for the game and he is probably his own biggest critic. Must be a near certainty to appear and in all probability, star in the final.
3. Brian (BooBoo) Bannigan: Middle order bat
Brian won this cup two years ago as Captain and certainly prodded the selectors when in the last game before the final he batted for the full forty overs carrying his bat for a match winning 79. Has already had scores of 44 and 23 when his team has needed it. Missed the semi-final but his determination to make the team is evident.
4. Gary Burrows: Middle order bat
If selected, Gary will be delighted to make his first final in only his second season with Pembroke. He is now getting to grips with Irish wickets and can be extremely destructive. For the 4th XI last weekend he scored 73 from 22 balls. & balls were lost and the opposition had to be lent a ball to complete the game, which Gary promptly put into the gardens. Earlier in the season Gary also put on a partnership of 39 in 3 overs, where his partner scored 3. Gary is also one of the best fielders on the team patrolling the leg-side with menace. Gary is from Zimbabwe, but we don’t hold it against him.
5. Max J. Byers: Leg-spin
Max Byers has been a revelation in his first season of senior cricket. Like Faechra Tucker, Max’s ability to continue to throw his leg-spinners up to batsmen without fear is his biggest asset. One hopes that he continues to do so in the future. Also like Feachra, Max has plenty of years ahead of him and will no doubt appear in many finals in the future, and on higher teams than the Fifths. Has made many appearances ofr the Fifths this season and hopefully the experience will stand to him.
6. Sam Byers: Opening bat and wicketkeeper
Sam Byers has taken the gloves and made them his own. That allied to his fine form with the bat, Sam will be hopeful of making his first final for Pembroke (under-age not considered). Scored a half century against the Titans and 30* for the fourth XI and such form will put him firmly in the frame.
7. Philip B. Byrne: Middle order bat
Philip Byrne has been a multi-cup winning captain and is usually found on higher teams than the Fifths. His work as Bar Manager and Executive Committee member has meant his net time and even playing time has been severely curtailed. Philip appeared in the Fifths Cup when a number of regulars were unavailable.
8. Donal (D.C.) Clissman: Middle order bat and bowler
Last year’s skipper Donal has provided the resistance in the middle order for most of the season. He fields whole-heartedly all of the time and bowls occasionally these days under the category, shock and awe. Donal was away for the semi-final having wisely taken two weeks off after Conor Dwyer’s wedding. Played last weekend and reverted to an opening role, but appears happiest in the middle order now.
9. Rob Farrington: Swinging bowler, swinging bat
Rob Farrington is again this season rarely seen, but when he is it is worth seeing. His 40 in the First Round won the game and was scored very quickly. And yet he is known better as a fine swing bowler who takes wickets for fun. Plays, when available for the 4ths and 5ths and has now left Mark Holland’s 6ths where he has been missed this season.
10. Paddy Halpin: off spin and top order bat
Paddy Halpin took last season off in order to travel the world and report on it via the pages of facebook. This season his appearances have been limited by employment. Hotels don’t operate on a Monday to Friday schedule and this has come between Paddy and more games. A fine bat allied with his quick off-spin have made him a valuable member of the squad when available.
11. Conrad Jones: Lower order swinging bat
Conrad is another surviving member of the 1987 Intermediate Cup Final team which having contained north Kildare to 125 found themselves 11 for 7 at tea. Conrad top scored in that game and still bats with the same good eye and enthusiasm now. Unfortunately last weekend he was out LBW second ball which probably saw an end to his hopes of making the cut. However his 44 off 16 balls earlier in the season shows what he is capable of.
12. Ansh Katyal: Medium pace bowler and middle order bat.
Anji has a lot of shots and could be a lynchpin for the Fifths, however, his consistency is infuriatingly missing. Plays with a natural talent that might need nurturing, but surely it is only a matter of time before the big score stops eluding him.
13. Steve McCarthy: Medium pace bowler and top order bat
Steve, as with Sean, will be keen to show his recovery from the injury which saw him leave the field during the semi-final and bat with a runner. His ability to slow the run-rate with his accurate line and length bowling and provide the middle order with the stability it sometimes needs. The only member of the side to have played Senior cricket, Steve retains the competitive edge and will run through a brick wall to win this one.
14. Craig G. A. Senior: Medium pace bowler and lower order bat
Having lost his first 9 finals until Jonny Bell’s side Craig is now looking to win three in a row. Man-of –the-match in the Brian Bannigan Fifth XI Junior Cup victory two years ago. However, unable so far to replicate his batting form of 2009, Craig has returned to bowling in an effect to make the final XI. 4 wickets in his last game will help.
15. Sean A. Smith: off spin and opening bat
Sean Smith must have made sure of his place by scoring a half century in the semi-final. However, tendonitis had forced him from the crease in the game before the semi-final and he missed the Malahide game as well. Will doubtedly be at nets on Wednesday to prove his fitness. Opening and solid bat allied to his accurate and canny off spin would prove to be an asset to any side.
16. Fiachra Tucker: leg spin
Young Fiachra has been producing superb performances with his fine leg-spin bowling for the Fifth’s and Sixes. His economy rate is remarkable for he has no fear when it comes to throwing the ball up to any batman. He looks to have a bright future in the game.
17. Lorcan Tucker: Top order bat and medium pace bowler
Lorcan’s accurate bowing and his fine mature batting has been noted by many. A classic bowling action sees him bowling to his set fields and provides both wickets and economy. But Lorcan is no one trick pony. He scored a half century for the fifths that ensured they reached the final and will want to appear in his first final. One suspects that selected or not, Lorcan is destined to reach many more finals.
18. Chris Wallace: Pace bowler and lower order bat
Chris Wallace is the bowler who has already developed a fine classic quick style. Currently finding wickets to come by, but this should not concern him. Either catches have been put down or the batsmen have no had the talent to get an edge to his probing bowling. Speed will come as his body fills out and if he retains the control he has now, he could move through the sides with ease over the next few years.
19. Ruairi Willis: Top order bat
Ruairi Willis is certainly one-for-the-future displaying a classic batting style that will gain him plenty of plaudits and runs. He has gained representative honours and made runs for the side already including 65 in the second round.
20. Kieran Vulker: pace bowler.
Kieran is the sides token Australian and painted man. Tattooed in more places then I care to know, Kieran has become the pace threat of the Fifth’s. His recent holiday to America, following on from his trip to the West Indies has limited his opportunities for the Fifth’s, but he showed his absences have not harmed his bowling with wickets for the 6th Xi last Saturday.
 

So there you have the run down.. the side will be announced shortly.....

 

The Fifths had a great weekend on the pitch as they secured a league win over Bagnelstown and then a day later completed a fine cup semi-final victory over Civil Service.

On Saturday Jack Balbirnie scored his maiden century as Pembroke defeated Bagnelstown.

Sunday saw more runs as Sean Smith and Lorcan Tucker both recorded 50's as the Fifths chased down 181 to book their place in the Junior Cup Final.

In light of the fact that so many Fifths players were unavailable for this game it will be an interesting selection poser for skipper Michael Byers. There are approximately a squad of 20-25 players who are eligible for selection and finding the right 11 will possibly be the most difficult task.

The selection for nexts week game away to Malahide will maybe provide some pointers to the Final's final 12. Perhaps it will be a "Big Brother" scenerio with the squad being pared a player every day. Well it's only an idea....

 

Skipper Michael Byers relates his view on the game... Cup semi finals don't come around very often. It was a pleasure to be involved although the end provided more relief than joy, the real pleasure came as it was discussed to death in the Ganly room.

 

We lost the toss and were asked to field. It was a good performance all round. We held most of our catches, stopped more than we let through and the 10 wickets were shared. Senior, Tucker L and F all took a pair, I think (I’ve no book, just my memory, which is hardly legendary), Byers MJ and S combined for one, sharp work behind got another. Craig bowled 8 overs with 2 wickets at a cost of less than 3 per.

 

Steve McCarthy tore something in his calf and had to be replaced by Barry Tucker who immediately took over the captaincy until Joe, one of our neutral umpires, quietened him down. Lorcan Tucker is becoming a real asset in the club, his 8 overs threatened consistently. Brother Fiachra, forced to bowl 8 with McCarthy out of action, also proved he has a great career ahead. Ansh bowled too short and was punished during his four, although the good balls threatened. Max Byers bowled tidyily at the end, once he believes in himself, he looks very good. He forced their top scorer to sweep, top edging to brother Sam behind the stumps, who kept very well throughout including a sharp stumping off Tucker F.

 

All in we did well to keep them to 180 all out, 30 more than the captain wanted but with the short boundary, courtesy of a double header, (the thirds on the old mat) it was a good effort. 

 

Our response after tea and rain was swift. Sam & Sean Smith had 20 on the board in 2.5 over, before Sam got yorked to one of the better balls of the day. Gary Burrows, smacked a quick 20, before playing back and missing for an easy lbw decision. When Lorcan Tucker came in, he and Sean went about a faultless display of ones, twos, threes & boundaries. It was this ability to take the singles that kept us ahead of the run rate. Both men managed 50's and by drinks we were over half way there and when Sean eventually got caught for almost 70 after putting on 100 with Lorcan, we were almost there. Breathing for those on the sidelines was still difficult because you never know.

 

Steve McCarthy, batting with Sam as a runner, and was caught on the boundary for a few, and Banners saw us home with Lorcan who was unbeaten in the 60's. Good job fellas.

 

The difficulty now for the captain is who to leave out for the final. The thinking is that the team who played in the semi should play again, bar perhaps a few who were subbed in for those on provincial duty, without whom we would not have made the semis and only a fool would leave out. Congratulations to all eleven. Smith, Byers S, Burrows, Tucker L, McCarthy, Bannigan, Senior, Byers, Katyal, Byers MJ, Tucker F and yours truly. Sunday the 15th August in Merrion is the final against Knockharley. All support greatly received.

 

Next weekend sees a home double header on Saturday and a Junior Cup Semi-Final on Sunday 

 

Steve McCarthy had a very successful week as stand-in captain for the
Fifths. Has it been a dress rehearsal for 2011?

Firstly last Thursday Terenure Titans were put to the sword on the junior mat. Batting first Sean Smith retired hurt with what he considers tender-nit-ous or some such medical term. But Sam Byers made his maiden adult half century and Gary Burrows hit 106 in an innings which contained only 6 singles. The Pembroke total was far too many for an under-strength Titans team. Even James Creswell took a wicket. Such a win will go some of the way to ensuring Division 10 cricket for the Fifths next season.

On Sunday a Junior Cup quarter-final against Railway Union was negotiated more comfortably than expected. Bowling first Pembroke opened with Jack Balbirnie's leg-spin and Chris Wallace's pace. This combination kept the runs down and the wickets coming. Following those youngsters were Kieran Vulkar (bail-breaker), Paddy Halpin, Craig Senior and Steve McCarthy. A formidable attack on paper and on this day on an artificial wicket too. Railway's innings never really took off and a final total of 150 was one which Steve and the Fifths would have taken before play started.

In reply Sam Byers opened with Ruairí Willis and continuing his form from Thursday made 20 odd before perishing. This merely brought Jack Balbirnie to the crease and with Ruairí they put on a century stand which took the game right away from Railway. Ruairí made a half century which displayed his obvious talent before being run out backing up and Jack remained not out forty odd as Paddy Halpin smashed the winning runs. So there will be a cup semi-final (1 August at home) to come and many selection dilemmas for Michael Byers to return to. As to who the opponents will be, Leinster 7's tied with Civil Service as Leinster website confirms with...
For pure excitement, the match of the day was in Observatory Lane, where the 7ths tied with Civil Service in their Junior Cup quarter final. It was similar in many ways to the 1st's "tie" against North County a fortnight previously. The scores were level with four balls left, but a stumping off the last ball of the match left the game completely level. Refix to be announced.
 

 

 

 

 

 The sun shone for most of the day, but the brightest sunbeam came from the smile of the Michael Byers, the non-playing captain at around 7.30pm. The duck had been broken as under the guidance of the vice captain Craig GA Senior the 5th XI pulled off a lovely win. Byers had pulled out due to health reasons, possibly the health of his own game!

Having lost the toss, The Hills decide to bat and got off to a lightening start courtesy of the powerful hitting of their number two, Umal i think. Willis & Wallace opened the
bowling and bowled tidily for 3 or 4 overs each without success. Young Wallace clearly has a fine future ahead, a lovely bowling action that the club must nurture.The first
wicket came form the first ball of Sam Byers, caught behind beautifully by the hands of newcomerkeeper CGA Senior. Well held Craig. At drinks the hills were up to 85 for 2, Max Byers picked up another wicket with his leg spin. Fiachra Tucker showed he wasn't intimidated at this level and put in a decent performance having been hit a bit in his first over, well done Feeks. It wasn't until the experience of SJ McCarthy came on the Pembroke commenced a comeback. Indeed McCarthy landed 3 wickets in total for very few of his 8 overs, It was he and Sean Smith who together landed 5 wickets between them. Smith always reliable when required. We had managed to get them to 115 or so for 7 when some punter called Jim Briscoe came in at number 9 and despatched the ball all over the park for his 47. Ably supported by another punter who amazed me with his ability to stay in. So suddenly the Milverton team made it to 173 all out and set a much larger target than was expected 10 overs earlier. The wickets were shared in the end between 7 bowlers.

Pembroke started well in their response with Sam Byers & Sean Smith opening. Both started with crisp fours to the boundary and were looking confident and composed until Byers played down the wrong line to the one that didn't swing from Briscoe for 10. Smith followed soon after for a few more, Willis soon after that and Clissman played on from a ball aimed at his face, in a bizarre incident which cost him his wicket from the no-ball that wasn't called. Rob Farrington followed next ball and suddenly we were 35 for 5. Having been here before we knew that it would require a big score from the in-form McCarthy, who duly delivered in spades. As good a knock as I've seen him play. Steve and James Creswell put on almost 100 for the 6th wicket as McCarthy despatched balls to all parts of the ground, never giving a chance or looking like he was in trouble, the Park Avenue gardens got their fair share of balls. Until Creswell got caught having scored 23 himself with us now at 123 for 6. Max Byers strided in as the filed moved in to catch the boy wonder. Unaffected by any of the pressure he stayed with McCarthy hitting his fair share of quality shots on his way to 12 not out, while McCarthy smashed his way to 96. The winning runs were hit by Byers after McCarthy found himself receiving a variety of lobs from which the bowling oppo captain decided he could hit for six to get his hundy and win the match. Sadly this didn't work out and he was bowled for 95. He walked in with his head down to a warm round of applause for what was a match winning and truly impressive performance. Pembroke won by 3 wickets. Hurray. Great to see the youngsters of Byers, Byers, Wallace & Tucker, showing their worth at this level, all of them played their part in the win, well done lads. Watch this space.

 

The new mat got its unofficial opening on Sunday when the Fifths entertained Mullingar. As with any change it provoked a few comments, but by the end of the game only positive ones were forthcoming. Unfortunately these were the only positive comments after another defeat.

 

"Terenure Titans" indeed. The Club Formerly known as CYM provided one of the finest teas on Saturday with curried chicken sandwiches, egg mayonnaise, chicken and stuffing, and hot tea.

Skipper Michael Byers was "Umpire of the Day" and his temporary replacement as leader of the pack Craig Senior lost the toss. Pembroke fielded first and restricted the opposition to 148. Kieran Vulkar and Stephen Willis opened the bowling before Man-of-the-Match (losing team) Sean Smith came on to bowl. Sean has recently been receiving coaching from Stephen Moreton. It worked. Sean took 5 for 27 from 8 overs.

In reply and post-delicious tea Pembroke opened with Kevin Ryan and Brian Bannigan who it was hoped would bring some stability to the start of the innings. A stand of 26 followed until Brian succumbed to a good ball from the "Titans" one strike bowler. Unfortunately again the lack of application in the middle led to too many wickets falling until at 54 for 5 Donal Clissman joined Steve McCarthy. The two of them played with due diligence and brought Pembroke back into the match.

Matters continued to get tighter and tighter until Craig Senior and Stephen Willis required 5 from the final over. Sadly only 3 were scored to leave the "Titans", shall we say, enthused by their victory by one run. 

Twenty past ten on Sunday morning a text message from teamer.net freed the 11 players of Pembroke from their obligation to travel down the M7/9 to Bagnelstown. Consistent rain the night before and that morning meant that the Bagnelstown wicket was too wet, the outfield too damp and the air too rainy. Some players returned to their families, whereas some took advantage of the day and made other plans. Next week sees the shortest away trip of the season as Terenure is the destination. The cricket club formerly known as CYM. 

Fifths fall foul of first ball, first innings and first game...

Despite the prematch entertainment of seeing who would turn up the worst for wear after Bill Whaley's wedding, it turned out to be a disappointing day.

Being put into bat it started well with a bye and a noball before even one ball was registered. Sadly however the very next first ball went through Kevin Ryan's defences and straight through his stumps. First ball of the season dismissal for Mr. Ryan and not the first time it has happened either. The only way is up was probably not the way to greet the returning Kevin, but he took it well.

Gary Burrows made a beligerent 23 before trying to hit across the line one more time and top edging to the keeper. Senior (5), Bannigan (?) and Capt. Mike Byers (4) all failed to stay too long, before Pierre Pheiffer (38) played enough shots with enough luck to push the score along.

Donal Clissman and James Cresswell (making his Pembroke debut) put on 72 with Donal's 22 and James 41 proving vital as Pembroke struggled to 188 all out.

In reply North Kildare's opening partnership of 150 broke the back of the chase and even the loss of four late wickets was not going to stop North Kildare getting off to a winning start. Stephen Willis took three of the wickets to fall with Kieran Vulker taking the other to fall.

2 points out of 25 will not be the start the side were hoping for, but most importantly it was a game of cricket with the chance to be dodging the showers, enjoying a Philip Byrne tea and even clean showers.

Roll on next week when the Fifths travel to Bagnelstown.

p.s. Winner of worst for wear award was Donal Clissman, who went on to score 22 and bowl 6 overs. Now that is setting a standard for the season.