That much-awaited confrontation - the Irish Cricket Union versus Stephen Smyth - has been deferred until September 26th. The case, brought about by the Brigade and Ireland star's appeal against the five-year ban, following "a serious breach of discipline . . . involving another player", imposed upon him by the ICU earlier this month, was due to be heard over the coming weekend, but has been deferred for a month.

The postponement means that Smyth will be free to play for Brigade against Limavady in next Friday's Irish Senior Cup final.

Meanwhile, the Leinster Senior League, is rapidly winding down, with Clontarf looking well nigh unassailable at the top of Section A, though obviously YMCA will have other ideas, when the two clubs meet at Claremont Road tomorrow.

Merrion and Railway Union seem on line for promotion out of Section B, and their encounter at Anglesea Road will be important. North County are in hot pursuit, and won't want any hiccups when they take on Rush at Kenure on Sunday.