It's three down and one to go for CIYMS who won the All-Ireland T20 Cup yesterday with a six wickets victory over Cork Harlequins.

After winning the NCU T20 Trophy and Challenge Cup, CIYMS head into next Saturday’s Irish Cup final still on course for the quadruple and will finally represent Ireland in next year’s European Cricket League.

Their performance at The Mardyke was not as convincing as their 10 wickets demolition of Civil Service North in Comber at the start of the month but with only 94 to chase, it was always likely that complacency would set in.

Ross Adair set off in his usual manner, plundering 14 off the first over, 10 off the second and 11 off their third but he hit his 16th ball into the hands of long-on and CI’s other batsmen had a chance to get to the middle.

John Matchett had already joined Adair because Chris Dougherty missed a reverse sweep and was plumb lbw and Matchett had an early reprieve when he was put down at deep mid-on. He was eventually caught on the mid-wicket boundary with just 17 required and although Mark Adair was dismissed first ball, Nigel Jones and Jason van der Merwe saw CI safely over the line in the 13th over.

The game though had been won in the first 19 overs when Cork Harlequins, playing in their second consecutive All-Ireland T20 final, were bowled out for 93.

Star of the show and undisputed man of the match was professional Keith Dudgeon who removed both openers with his first seven balls and when Allen Coulter held a return catch to dismiss Quins’ best batsman, Brandon Kruger, CI were already in control at 28 for three.
Ryan Joyce hit a run-a-ball 32, which included half of his side’s 10 boundaries, but Jacob Mulder bowled him in his second over and did the same to Shivam Kislay next ball.

John Matchett then joined the wicket-taking party and there was no way back for the Cork side from 57 for six and the return of Dudgeon was too much for the lower order as he added two more wickets to finish with four, having conceded just 10 runs.
Lisburn, at Bready, are next on CI’s cup final radar.

The first final of the day was just as one-sided and unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, Civil Service North were defeated by Leinster holders Merrion in the women’s final.

Merrion had their three international batters at the top of the order and although Leah Bettie and Jess Mayes dismissed Celeste Raack and Cecelia Joyce, Rebecca Stokell batted through the innings for 110 out of her side’s 169 for three. Eva Wilson was the other wicket-taker.

In reply, CSN skipper Rachael Thomas was caught second ball but all the other batters were comfortably into double figures as the NCU champions finished their 20 overs on 105 for four.
Ali Cowan top scored with 30 off 48 balls, while Lucie McNaught hit five boundaries in her 24.

Scores: Merrion Women 169-3 (20 overs, R Stokell 110 not out, C Raack 29) Civil Service North Women 105-4 (A Cowan 30, L McNaught 24, S Thomas 20 not out, A Fisher 18). Merrion won by 7 wickets.