An emphatic nine wicket victory by Railway Union further underlined their Division 1 title credentials and takes their unbeaten run to five games.
When asked to comment a jubilant Conor Mullen said, ‘’This really sets us up for the league - I’m delighted with the win, especially against those guys.’
After winning the toss and batting Clontarf posted a respectable 230 all out. The highlights were a fluent 97 from Andrew Poynter and cameos by D’Arcy and Gopal. Poynter fell caught and bowled to McDonnell as the maximum looked assured.
Despite starting nervously and losing two early wickets the visitors recovered well. Little did they know about the Railway Union onslaught that was to follow.
Trent Jonhston bowled tidily in three spells for the hosts, O’Brien and McDonnell assisted. Clontarf batsmen came and went in regular fashion but the run rate clipped along. McDonnell took three catches at mid-off and fielded well.
Clontarf perhaps should have got a few more but the tail collapsed weakly. Still, a good effort – at least it looked that way! One could have been forgiven for thinking that the outcome would be closer.
An excellent opening stand by Fisher and Carroll put paid to any lingering nerves for the hosts. Fisher raced to 50 in jig time only to be surpassed by Carroll. Clontarf’s solitary wicket saw Fisher fall to Linksey for 58, a somewhat optimistic lbw shout being given.
Graham McDonnell came in next and after a few shaky moments composed himself to play some fine shots for 44. Kenny Carroll batted solidly and scored quickly, his 106 in 123 balls was the performance of the day. Speaking to Cover Point he said, ‘It was a good track to bat on, I just wanted to see the new ball off, Cusack and Coghlan are dangerous bowlers.’ Two centuries so far this season for Carroll will be welcome. The Railway man built his innings expertly.
Clontarf will not be entirely dissatisfied with their performance; the cricketing gods favoured Railway Union today and the result does not tell the whole story. That said, Railway were not lucky, you don’t win by this margin unless you perform. The Railway express just seems to roll on!!
It’s back to the drawing board for Clontarf though!! In fairness, this was always going to be tough with a depleted side. The suspension of skipper Morrissey will rancour.
Special mention must go to Alex Cusack who became a dad last night and also managed to turn up and play! The aussie being the victim of some amusing pitch side banter from Ireland team mate Trent Johnston!
Clontarf 230 All out in 47 overs
A Poynter 97, A D’Arcy 38, VJ Gopal 27
K O’Brien 3-38, T Johnston 2-18, G McDonnell 2-36
Railway Union 233-1 in 44 overs
K Carroll 106*, G McDonnell 44*, T Fisher 58
Railway Union win by 9 wickets
Railway Union: K Carroll, T Fisher, G McDonnell, K O’Brien, C Mullen, T Johnston, S Ullah, D Kapoor, C Rendell, S Farthing
Clontarf: A D’Arcy, B Coghlan, R Hokin, A Poynter, P Ryan, J Coghlan, A Cusack, VJ Gopal, R Reid, H Whelan, K Linskey
Umpires: John Andrews & Azam Ali Baig
Scorers: Judy Cohen & Keith Lewis
Toss won by Clontarf
By Rupert Heather
