2009 Season
Laois Cricket Third team posts impressive win, but Malahide are too strong for firsts and seconds.
In a weekend of mixed fortunes for the Laois Club, the third team lead the way with an impressive victory over Clontarf in the Junior B League in Togher on Sunday. Fielding first, Laois dismissed the visitors for 103, with Jaz being the pick of the bowlers taking 3 wickets for 23 runs. Laois chased the total for the loss of only 3 wickets, with Clive Wardrop batting well to score an unbeaten 62 runs. Laois thirds remain on course at the top of the league table.
Both the first and second team were out against Malahide. On Saturday, the seconds played at home in the Middle II Cup. Fielding first, Laois put themselves into a strong position dismissing Malahide for 170 runs, but failed to chase the total, allowing Malahide advance to the next round.
Laois first II travelled to Malahide in the Senior II League on Sunday. Batting first on an at times ‘interesting’ mat, Laois struggled to take control, and despite a strong start that took Laois to 50 for 1 after 15 overs, thanks to a solid 33 run knock from opener John Ozenbrook, Laois collapsed quickly, losing wicket after wicket cheaply to be eventually dismissed for 111 in the 34 over. Despite a poor batting display, full credit must be given to the Malahide bowlers, who between them bowled no wides in the innings – a rare occurrence at any level of the game!
In the field, despite the low target to defend, Laois will regret not winning this game. Thanks to tight bowling by Clint Wilkie (3 for 32 off 10), captain Jonny Yasin and Asif (1 wicket each), Laois were well on top after 20 overs, with Malahide looking injured on 61 for 6. However, further wickets were not to be, and Malahide held on to win the game by 4 wickets in the 33 over.