Limerick catch out under-achieving Cork to seize pennant

MAJESTIC Limerick imposed a severe reality check on Cork County at the Mardyke and the Shannonsiders’ win gave them the Munster Senior League cricket pennant for the first time in 14 years.

Limerick deserved to be at the head of the table after a season in which they performed the double over their great Mardyke rivals.

For Cork County the game represented the ultimate in under-achievement. Despite having most of the Munster Reds squad in their line-up, County’s performance was sub-standard throughout most of the game, although Limerick deserved great credit for their opponents’ predicament.

Cork County’s innings of 93 was testimony to their ineptitude while at the crease.

Limerick reduced virtually all the home batsmen to mediocrity. There were only two exceptions: Captain Robert Duggan who made 21 and John Power (on 16 not out) showed great application.

Limerick were in the ascendancy in facing only 94 for a historic win. However, they were put a severe test by Cork County strike bowler Keith Banks, who at one stage had the visitors on 44 for five.

His hostile pace bowling gave Cork County temporary hope, but it is to Limerick’s credit that they withstood this test plus the persistent guile of John Power’s leg spinners.

Banks’ five for 24 was a great effort but it was not enough.

Alan Lynch (on 46 not out) was Limerick’s hero and Anthony Hartigan, David Lynch and Shani Alam were also very dominant, bringing Limerick home with five wickets to spare in the end.

Limerick played with gusto and were never going to be thwarted. In contrast, Cork played with a misplaced belief in their superiority and paid the ultimate price.