Each round of the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup is awaited eagerly, and on Saturday last, The Hills played host to Pembroke at the Vineyard. The home side won the toss, and elected to field. This decision paid rich dividends as serious inroads were made into the Pembroke's top order batting line-up. At 63 for 5, it appeared that the Hills' players and supporters would be able to enjoy an early end to proceedings, but a spirited 6th wicket stand between Brian O' Rourke and Danny Barclay yielded 93 runs and put paid to that assumption. O'Rourke's dismissal when the score was on 156 precipitated a second batting collapse and Pembroke were dismissed for 195 with the gallant Barclay on 95*. The wickets for the Hills were taken by Jeremy Bray (3 for 19), Joseph Clinton (3 for 35),Naseer Shoukat (2 for 26) and Max Sorensen (2 for 20).

The Hills' innings was similar in certain respects to that of Pembroke, and at 2 for 28, there was cause for concern, but a third wicket partnership of 32 between Albert Van der Merwe (31) and Jeremy Bray steadied things to a certain extent, and this process was continued by a fourth wicket partnership between Sorensen (60) and Bray. Sorensen was run out when the score was on 141, and Bray (51*) was joined at the wicket by Mark Dwyer. Dwyer (41*) is in a rich vein of form, and this pair scored the required 54 runs without any further alarms or excursions.

A six wicket margin was comfortable, but the Hills are still not yet firing on all cylinders. The early batting continues to be a cause of concern, and there is a tendency for concentration to slip in the field and opposing teams allowed back into games which The Hills have well under control.

Later in the evening Mrs Hope Kerr, sponsor of the competition, and Matt Sheridan, President of The Leinster Cricket Union, completed the draw for the quarter finals of the Cup with the following pairings;

The Hills v Waringstown

Glendermott v Fox Lodge

Coleraine v Railway Union

North County v Merrion

The quarter finals are scheduled for July 3rd.

To round off the evening we were all treated to a real taste of South Africa at the Braai. Eksteen, Joe, Chantelle and Rikka did a great job of ensuring that we were all well nourished, Boerewors and pap were served in addition to traditional staples of lamb and chicken. We even had a vuvuzela on hand to remind us of that other competition that is taking place in South Africa at the moment.

Next weekend is an historic one, and probably unique in any sport, for The Hills with the club being represented in the Lewis Hohn Leinster Senior Cup by two teams. The First X1 visit Clontarf on Saturday while the Second X1 play host to either Railway Union or YMCA on the same day.

Elsewhere:

The Under 13's were unlucky to lose by 1 run in the cup away to Terenure.

The Under 11C's team had two convincing wins over the weekend against Old Belvedere and Rush.

In the game against Rush the following notable figures were recorded;

Dean Bray 23 runs, 3 wkts for 7 off 3 overs

Jody McGyver 26 runs

Craig Macken 2 wkts for 9 off 2 overs

Darragh Redmond 2 wkts for 12 off 3 overs

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