Cork County re-affirmed their place at the top of the table and took one step closer to regaining the Munster Senior League title when they outplayed local rivals Cork Harlequins to claim a nine wicket victory at Farmers Cross on Sunday.
The match had been billed to be the clash of the season between two sides with a history of grinding out hard fought encounters, however, this match was far from memorable with the ‘Quins batsmen failing to show up as the County seam attack were on song and just too good for the hosts on the day.
Bruce Koch who claimed 3-8 in Cork County's win over Cork Harlequins. Pic: David Gash
Given the unenviable task of batting first on a damp and slow wicket, the ‘Quins opening pair of Robin Russell and Mike Reid looked to have little trouble early on against the new ball and were happy to be watchful and leave outside the off stump.
Russell, who was striking the ball well, was the first to depart when he was adjudged lbw off the bowling of Parvez Ali. But as the umpire raised his finger, Russell stood there with a look of bemusement of his face as he felt he had hit the ball before it struck his pad; however, the umpire’s decision is final and he had to go.
This opened the flood gates and the ‘Quins batsmen dropped like flies. No batsman went on to reach double figures and captain, Cormac Wilcox, top scored with nine as the home side were bowled out in 25 overs for a well below par 55.
Bruce Koch was the destroyer-in-chief with the ball for County claiming 3 for 8 off his four over spell, while fellow fast bowler Parvez Ali also claimed 3 wickets off his eight overs.
'Quins Robin Russell plays through the off-side. Pic: David Gash
Despite defending a low total, ‘Quins hit the ground running in the field and immediately put the pressure on the County openers Ross Durity and Shannon Madden.
Madden in particular struggled with the pitch early on with several play and misses out side the off stump, while at the other end Durity was happy to bide his time and wait for the bad ball.
The pressure eventually got the better of Madden as he tried one shot too many against the spin of Mike Reid and was caught by Wilcox at mid wicket for an unconvincing 12 runs.
That was to be ‘Quins solitary moment of joy with Michael Wycherly, despite a host of expansive swings, seeing County home with Durity, who finished on a hard fought 34 not out.
‘Quins title aspirations are all but over, Midleton are snapping at the heels of County and keeping the pressure on the league leaders after they secured 27 points against WIT at Midleton College.
The visiting students made 164 before they were all out with swing bowler Dean Wilson doing the bulk of the damage for the east Cork side, claiming 4 for 38. Firey opening bowler Maharaguruge was also in the wickets in what was an expensive spell with 3 for 65.
Ross Durity who finished on 34 not out against 'Quins. Pic: David Gash
Top scorer for WIT was the big hitting Sunil Kumar who blitzed a quickfire 70 before his stumps were rearranged by the impressive Wilson.
Jeff Hitchmough again batted his side to victory with yet another score of 50 plus; his 74 came in just 49 balls and include 15 fours and layed the perfect foundation for Midleton before he was caught behind off the bowling of Kumar.
Despite the loss of six wickets, Midleton were never in trouble and McDonald and Laverty saw them over the line to claim the clubs fourth victory on the trot.
Midleton now sit two points adrift of County but the leaders do have two games in hand. But with the two still to face each other on August 15th, the league is set to be the closest fought there has been in many years.
To see the full set of photos from the Cork Harlequins v Cork County match see the Flickr photo set HERE. Please ask permission if you wish to reproduce photos.
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July 28th, 2010 → 2:14 pm @ admin
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