The results from the first two days of the bank holiday weekend were not looking good. The 1st XI lost their first Premier League game to Balbriggan and there was no success in the T20 competitions. But there was a fight back on the bank Holiday Monday with the 2nds [Leinster II Cup], the 4th XI [League D7] and the 6ths [League D14] all recording good wins.
The 2nds had a comfortable six wicket win against Laois in the Senior II Cup at Stradvalley. laois were bowled out for 143 with Declan de Lock and Sidharth Muthu picking up three wickets each. Merrion lost two early wickets but Franco Marais (42) and Niranjan Shankar (57*) build a strong 75 run partnership to rebuild the innings. There followed a minor collapse and Vikas Dhiman might count himself unlucky to be adjudged LBW. Peter Forkin [24*] alongside Niranjan steadied the innings and secured victory.
The 4ths had an excellent win by 80 odd runs against Civil Service 3s. Batting first Merrion made 230/9 in their 45 overs with Himanshu Kamat leading thew way with 72. An inspired bowling spell by Chetan Suttraway [6/41] ensured the win.
The 6ths also fared well down in Bird Avenue on the new mat. Another strong innings by the skipper [42*] saw Merrion home by five wickets against Leinster 5ths.
And finally, to explain the photo. The 7ths are taking their responsibility for development and training seriously. Victoria Hayes and Jan Dijkstra out in the middle being instructed on the art of winning the toss [important for all captains to have two headed coin].