Thanks to the weather in the north west (there's no truth in the rumour that the locals have developed webbed feet due to the prevailing climate), Ireland will play only the second, and last, full international against Bangladesh at Rathmines today, out of a possible total of six encounters. A repeat of last week's success at Waringstown would be considerable consolation, and with Angus Dunlop, Peter Gillespie and Ed Joyce back in the team, a win is certainly attainable.
The Ireland A team to take on the tourists in their final Irish engagement in Cork on Monday has yet to be finalised, but may be announced this evening. Ted Williamson, who performed well on his international debut against the MCC last week, and Greg Molins both picked up injuries and must prove their fitness with their respective clubs this afternoon.
Dublin University and The Hills from Section A and Malahide from Section B have already won through to the semifinals of the Lewis Traub League, scheduled for tomorrow week, while the other semi-final place is still up for grabs. The Hills will meet Dublin University on Tuesday to determine the top place in Section A, while the abandoned Section B match between Merrion and Phoenix has been re-arranged for the same day.
Meanwhile, the Leinster Senior League, now sponsored by Whitney Moore and Keller, gets under way today, with The Hills at home to YMCA at Milverton.
Jamie Carnegie (Phoenix) heads the Leinster batting averages, with 269 runs, average 89.67, followed by clubmate Jeremy Bray on 308 runs, average 61.60. Trinity's Conor Hoey (15 wickets at 8.13) is the top bowler, Bray heads the allrounder's table, while Malahide's Darragh Armstrong is the most successful wicket-keeper, with 14 victims.
In the north west, the Senior Cup holders, Limavady, have lodged a protest because the NWCU awarded their quarterfinal match against Glendermott to the Derry club. When the game was to resume (after last Saturday's rain interruption) on Wednesday, Brigade, teetering on 39-6 in reply to Glendermott's handsome total, failed to field a full side.
Glendermott are at home to Sion Mills in the North West League this afternoon. Sion Mills will be without Bobby Rao, on duty with the national team management at Rathmines; interestingly, Neil Johnson, Ireland's professional in the Benson and Hedges Cup campaign, has failed to make any real impact, and is likely to be tested again today by the hostile bowling of Glendermott's Iqbal Siddiqui and Johnny Thompson.
Brigade, unbeaten in any competition this summer, will have home advantage in today's North West Senior Cup quarter-final against the Division Two side Crindle. The day's other quarterfinal match other sees Ardmore at home to powerful Donemana.
