Many congratulations to the First XI, who on Saturday defeated the oldest cricket club in Ulster, Lisburn CC. In a game that seemed to be played within the confines of low clouds started an hour late and was reduced to 47 overs per side. Lisburn won the toss and elected to bat first in conditions conducive to swing. However, skipper Paul Lawson opened the bowling with his off-spin and this move paid off as Lisburn lost regular wickets. Their final total was surely never going to be enough and thus it proved. Pembroke reached their target with plenty of overs in hand and now will await the second round draw on Thursday. The team will be delighted with their performances with both bat and ball and especially in the tightness of their fielding. A second round home draw would be the preferred option, but in this form they will not fear anyone, in Leinster or beyond.

The 10 men of the Fifth team on the other hand travelled without success to Tymon Park to take on league new boys Clondalkin. Clondalkin had one batsman reach the 90’s although reports from the game suggested he was the beneficiary of, how would you say politely, home umpiring. Clondalkin won and took the points, but Pembroke did not aid their own cause with two run outs. This now means that in two games, the Fifths have had three run outs, suggesting some lessons in calling and running might prove beneficial.

Sunday saw Bill Whaley lead his team to their first victory of the season. The Second XI is an ideal training ground for future promotion to the First XI and it is fulfilling that brief superbly at the moment. Merrion won the toss and chose to field first. Gary Baugh got the innings off to a solid start whilst Skipper Bill struggled to score but did remain at the crease long enough to see off the Merrion opening bowlers. Max Neville was the tall and quick Merrion bowler who certainly would tick any “one to watch” boxes and surely has a very bright future in front of him. Damian Poder may not have that youth on his side, but his 10 overs proved to be a pointer for Pembroke’s win. J.J. Garth, batting at number 4 showed the necessary application to remain at the crease and his 35 was the second highest score on the card. Top-scorer was “Wides conceded” with Merrion managing to rack up 37 wides.

Captain Bill and Faran Ahmed Khan opened the bowling and both struck early as Merrion subsided in their pursuit of the Pembroke total of 171. However it was the spin of Aaron O’Neill and JJ Garth which bamboozled the Merrion batsmen. Only T. Nolan stood firm scoring 34, but unfortunately for Merrion no other batsman could replicate his innings and the entire team were out for 72. This 72 included 19 extras and Nolan’s 34 meaning the other 10 batsmen did not manage more than 20 runs between them. JJ Garth would have picked up any MotM award if there had been one, when in addition to his 35 runs, he took 3/6 from 6.4 overs.

Earlier in the week the Women’s First played their first league game of the season in Claremont Road against YMCA. Pembroke batted first, but regularly lost wickets and did not put up a score large enough to prevent defeat. Claire Shillington scored a half century to demonstrate her undoubted class and lead YMCA to a 9 wicket win. The Women’s Third team this week consisted of 10 players as they took on Leinster in the first round of the Minor Cup. However the 10 of Pembroke could not repeat the league win of the magnificent seven in College Park as they lacked the fourth bowler and this cost too many runs. Nicky Bell returned to the playing fields of Sydney Parade and rolled back the years with her athletic fielding and strong batting. It has been a while since Nicky played as evidenced by her turning up in the traditional whites rather than the pj’s that are now worn. Welcome back Nicky.

Next weekend the First XI will be hosting North County in a Division 1 game. Having lost their first game versus The Hills, the team will be keen to repeat this weekend’s performance and to deliver a first league win.

Sunday will see the season’s first double header at home with both the Fourth XI and the Sixes due to play Wexford Wanderers and Lucan respectively. The Sixes will be pleased to take to the field at all for their first actual game and one hopes that the weekend sun will encourage more players to make themselves available and to ease Sean Smith’s task in filling the team.

Don’t forget that on Sunday, youth training takes place and coffee and sweet treats will be available in the Clubhouse courtesy of Helen.

Tuesday, that is tomorrow, the Women’s Second team travel out to Malahide for their first foray into competition and on Thursday the First team will welcome Leinster to Sydney Parade.

Plenty of games for all players and spectators this week and we hope that the weather seen on Sunday will continue for, perhaps, another five months!!