NAZEER SHAUKAT, who topped the Leinster batting averages last season and was runner up in the bowling, is back in the Rush side for their two weekend Lewis Traub League matches, away to CYM today and at home to Dublin University tomorrow.

Not that Rush, on last Saturday's showing against Railway Union at Park Avenue, look in any immediate need of lifesaving assistance. In that match, which was reduced by rain to 30 overs a side, they amassed a formidable 230 runs for the loss of only two wickets, with Joe Scanlon top scoring with 85, followed closely by Dara Armstrong on 75.

Michael Donnelly then took four for 37 as Rush went on to win by 130 runs. Still, the presence of the accomplished all rounder Shaukat should add another dimension to all this virtuosity.

In his 21 matches last summer Shaukat scored 826 runs, including eight undefeated innings as well as nine half centuries, for a average of 68.83. Only Matt Dwyer, his near neighbour from The Hills, took more wickets - Shaukat captured 71 for an average of 12.35, picking up five wickets or more in an innings four times in all.

CYM will have Joss Singh, back from Australia, in action, as well as wicket keeper/batsman Fintan Kelleher, who has returned from England. Meanwhile, Clontarf, who are at home to Railway today, will have wicketkeeper Ronan O'Reilly, who was concussed in a recent rugby match, behind the stumps.

Dilan Kanchana lines out for Railway, who for their Monday match against Old Belvedere bring on Rory Guthrie for Graham O'Meara and Steve Platt for Scott Wynne. Old Belvedere name Derek Quinlan instead of Ronan O'Sullivan, who will be available only occasionally.

Clontarf are away to Merrion on Monday and make one change in their side, as 16 year old Andrew Cullen takes over from Dessie McCann. All rounder Cullen made a big impression with bat and ball last year, when he also captained Ireland's Under 15 team.

For that match, Merrion welcome back Kevin Allwright, whose place in today's team to play Phoenix is filled by Philip Quinlan. Alf Masood is the captain of Phoenix, his original Leinster club, this season.

Malahide have included the 16 year old all rounder Adam Shehabeddin in their side for today's home match against Leinster, as Alan Brophy stands down. Brophy has been busy with rugby commitments, and gets a run on the second XI instead. In today's other league matches, Pembroke and North County are at home to Cork County and The Hills,