Merrion 1st XI secured one end of a Premier League lifeline with an emphatic full points win over The Hills at Anglesea Road on Sunday. Batting first they amassed a total of 265/8 in their 50 overs. The highlight was a sparkling innings of 73 from Dom Joyce opening the innings. But there were also important contributions from Swapnil Modgill [45] and from Amish Sidhu [30*].
When it came time for The Hills to bat they lost both openers to Max Sorensen [2/20 ] within eight overs. Judicious switching of the bowling by skipper Tom Stanton proved fruitful and wickets fell regularly. All the bowlers contributed with wickets from Jack Carty [3/24], Amish Sidhu [2/6], Swapnil Modgill [2/16] and good economy spells from Muhammed Sinan, Tom Stanton and Daniel Forkin. The fielding was excellent and included a spectacular caught and bowled by Modgill. In the end The Hills were bowled out for 107 giving Merrion a 158 run, and much needed, full point victory.
But the league, title and relegation, is far from settled. While Merrion are now one of five teams that could at least on paper claim the title, it is also possible that any one of 7 teams could be relegated. The table after the 12th Round of games looks something like this.
| Balbriggan | 195 |
| Malahide | 156.5 |
| Merrion | 155 |
| The Hills | 152 |
| YMCA | 149 |
| Clontarf | 136 |
| Phoenix | 133 |
| Pembroke | 123 |
Merrion has a difficult run in with matches against Pembroke [controversially strengthened for the last three games of the season by the additional of Nigel Jones] and YMCA. Both clubs will have access to their international players so a challenging run in is in prospect. The next game is the home tie v YMCA next Saturday and support would be welcome.
The remaining League fixtures are
Saturday 3rd September.
Phoenix v Balbriggan, The Hills v Malahide, Merrion v YMCA and Pembroke v Clontarf
Saturday 10th September
Pembroke v Merrion, The Hills v Clontarf, YMCA v Balbriggan, Phoenix v Malahide