IT SAYS much for the resolve of skipper Stuart Taylor and his men that YMCA have managed a Lazaruslike recovery recently to reach today's final of the Lewis Traub League at Malahide. They staved off the challenge of Old Belvedere in last Monday's 25 overs semi final, despite the absence of Alan Lewis and Angus Dunlop, both on NatWest duty in Headingley. That transpired to be an unrewarding trip for Dunlop, courtesy of the Darren Gough yorker which smashed his foot.

That injury has sidelined Dunlop for a month, which opens the door for Marcus Miller, the seam bowler from Wesley College.

Hardly surprisingly, Pembroke will field an unchanged team, maintaining faith in the side which eased past Merrion by nine runs in last Monday's other semi final.

Both clubs will be in action again tomorrow, YMCA being at home to Rush in Section A of the Senior League, while Pembroke visit Merrion in Section B. In the day's other Section A match, Railway Union take on Leinster at Park Avenue, while in Section B Phoenix and Old Belvedere will be at home to The Hills and Malahide, respectively.

Ireland's women cricketers face a busy week, with three matches against New South Wales at Anglesea Road on Monday, Kenure - on Tuesday and Malahide on Thursday, all with 1.00 starts. Caps will not be awarded, since the national selectors want to see all squad members in action before the arrival of South Africa next August.

If you are selected for your country, you deserve a cap, in my view. Maybe the Irish Women's Cricket union should think again.