Kerry Thirds easily account for Cork Harlequins despite depleted squad

KERRY Thirds, depleted by illness, made short work of their penultimate match of the season bowling out Cork Harlequins for a mere 60 runs before easing to victory with a comfortable nine wicket margin. So often, close contests are the result of teamwork - but on this occasion it was one-way traffic, Kerry were always in control as Awais Saghir almost single handedly demolished the home team at Farmers Cross.

On a very damp surface, Greg Higgins was the only batter to put up any resistance for Quins, scoring a stubborn 16, but though Mark Farren returned excellent bowling figures of 2 for 5 for Kerry, he was out-shone by Awais who took a remarkable 5 wickets for only 5 runs off his full quota of 8 overs.

In Kerry’s reply, it was Awais who again led the way, hitting a brisk 34 not out to secure a vital win for the visitors as they scramble for last minute points in the closing phase of Munster Division 2. It took 29 overs for Kerry to dismiss Quins, but the winning runs were smashed in less than 11 overs. Just as well they got on with it, no sooner was the win secured, the heavens opened and the weather continued it’s own attempts to set records.

Cork Harlequins 3rds: All out 60. Higgins 16; Saghir 5-5; Farren 2-5.

County Kerry 3rds: 61 for 1. Saghir 34no; John Buss 1-14.

Following other results in from the weekend Kerry Thirds find themselves in second place on the Munster Division 2 standings table. A win next weekend might just be enough to overtake current leaders University College Cork, but bonus points could decide the final outcome... it’s all very tight.

The Seconds have finished bottom of Munster Division 1, but depending on results elsewhere the Firsts squad could retain their current position of second place in the Munster Premiere Division; at worst, the senior squad are now guaranteed to finish in third place.

We have the chaotic weather to thank for the 2016 going so deep into September, but Kerry Cricket fans will be watching next weeks events unfold with a great amount of interest.