Kingdom cricketers thrive in end of season scramble for points

Mick Jones

AS the cricket season starts to wind down, the scramble for points in the Munster Divisions heats up. For Kerry, although the knockout Cup Contests delivered silverware, results in the league formats have been mixed. That said, the Juniors have been the stand-out squad of 2018 for Kerry CCC and they finished their campaign with another nerve-wracking victory over Cork Harlequins at Farmers Cross to secure the runners up spot in Munster Division 1.

Munster Division 1

On Saturday, Harlequins 2nds chose to bat first posting 227 for 9. For the Kerry bowling attack, skipper Sean Rutland lead the way bagging his first hat-trick for the club, and he was well supported by Alam And Niaz (2 wickets each) - and fresh from his man-of-thematch performance for Munster Heat - Awais Saghir also added one more wicket to his season’s tally. In reply, the Kerry batters got off to a great start, but some

accurate bowling from the home squad slowed the run-rate down to put visitors under serious pressure. Once more, Awais Saghir stepped up to compile yet another century, his fourth of the season, to bring the game back into balance. Kerry needed two runs to win off the final delivery. Awais was facing, and duly smacked a four to finish on 104 not out! Another gripping match between Kerry and Quins, but Kerry 2nds take the vital points to claim the runners up position in Munster Division One 2018.

Munster Division 2

On Sunday, Midleton 2nds visited The Oyster Oval at Spa and were put into bat. Although Kerry’s Minor squad has had a tough season, there has been a recent influx of new young players and their skill and enthusiasm helped restrict Midleton to a modest 167. In the Kerry reply, Murad posted poste a stylish 30, but captain John Roux smashed a vital 58 and built a match-winning partnership with Sean Rutland (43) to clinch victory by 6 wickets.

FIXTURE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Munster Division 2

County Kerry 3 v Limerick 3 in Oyster Oval