Senior Cup semis for Merrion and ’Tarf

THE top two in the Premier League, Merrion and Clontarf, will represent Leinster in the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Cup after wins yesterday.

Clontarf inflicted a 50-over defeat on Civil Service North, bowling them out for 164 and knocking off the runs inside 27 overs. Bill Coghlan, with 54 from 46 balls, got them off to a fast start and Andrew Poynter finished it with a whirlwind 53 not out from just 28 balls, including five fours and four sixes.

John Anderson scored 140 as Merrion racked up 335-8 against Leinster at Rathmines and, despite 74 from George Dockrell, Leinster finished 116 runs short.

Anderson’s big century was topped by Waringstown opener James Hall who batted through the innings to finish 175 not out as the holders beat Pembroke at Sydney Parade by 133 runs. Lorcan Tucker top scored for the home side with 70 but they were bowled out in the 47th over for 225.

Strabane complete the semi-final line-up after their six-wickets victory at Phoenix Park.

Third place North County beat the Premier League leaders Merrion by eight runs at Balrothery on Saturday; Malcolm Nofal (114) and Eddie Richardson (95) sharing a stand of 217 in the home side’s 313.

When the ninth Merrion wicket fell, they needed 64 from 33 balls but Sean Stanton, with 54 from 25 balls, kept them on course for a stunning chase until he was bowled by Nofal off the first ball of the last over.

Clontarf stay second after their nine-wickets win over The Hills, Coghlan finishing 102 not out, while Pembroke are still in the bottom half despite beating Leinster by 19 runs. YMCA beat Phoenix by six wickets.