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Provided by Craig Senior
The new season got underway for the junior teams on sunday with the first appearance of the 6th Xi at Sydney Parade.
Captained in Michael Clark's unexplained absence by Niall Walsh the 6ths found themselves on pitch 9 as used by the 1st XI on saturday. Some of the players found this disconcerting as the boundaries were far away and the walk to and from the centre twice as long as usual.
Having won the toss Niall opted, with his team's approval, to field. Conventional wisdom would agree with such a decision, but the weather and a strong opposition put paid to any advantage that would have been gained.
Early on the plan seemed to be working, with the opposition losing three relatively rapid wickets. however as the fourth wicket partnership was starting to establish itself the irish weather took centre stage. a light rain was enough to make the ball wet and slippy, difficult to bowl with. and with long grass in the outfield the ball quickly became soaked and impossible to hold properly as either a bowler or fielder. Bagnelstown took full advantage and posted a total of 172 for 6 off their 40 overs.
Tea, by Becca Gallagher, was again a buffet of delight and saw the arrival of a number of interested spectators. The Butler family were out in force and it was good to see the captains of both the 4th and 5th XI in attendence, talent spotting.
Greg (4 less) Costello and Donal (fresh from Mexico) Clissman opened the batting and provided a steady start. However, the long grass was taking its toll, reducing 4s to 2s and 2s to singles, the run rate required was creeping ever higher. Young Barry McCarthy provided such rich entertainment and was unlucky not to take his innings further to add to his useful bowling in the first innings. Timmy Holland hung around long enough to ensure he was properly annoyed at gettign out and a number of players made a start but were unable to push on. Skipper and calf victim Niall came in at 11 and hit a few lusty blows but to no avail. Bagnelstown triumphed and Pembroke must look to an improved batting performance in the future.
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