YMCA 3rd XI 2012
This Sunday the 6th of August sees YM 3rds take on Merrion 4ths at Balbriggan CC, the prize the Middle Cup. Five years ago YM 3rds beat Railway Union 3rds in the Middle Cup Final played at the Laois CC by only 1 run.
The team that day captained by Dale McDonough included Aaron Bailey, Padraic Flanagan, Callum Donnelly, Michael Kirk, Kamal Merchant, Geoff Cole, Ryan Bailey, Rory Anderson, John Orr and Arran Copeland.
They had previously beaten Clonee 1sts by 8 wkts, Pembroke 3rds by 5 wkts and Clontarf 3rds by 2 runs in the semi-final.
In the Final YM batted first and posted 152/9 from their 40 overs. The stand out performances saw Padraic Flanagan, the All-Rounder, open the batting and top scoring with 32 along with the evergreen Kamal Merchant. The tail wagged with vital contributions from Rory Anderson & John Orr.
Railway were bowled out for 151 in 39.4 overs. Crucial in this was the young YM team's fielding as two brilliant run outs and great catching secured the Cup by the closest of margins, 1 run. In fact 10 of this team were aged under 19. The old stager Kamal Merchant did not even bowl as the six bowlers used all contributed with the Bailey brothers Ryan & Aaron combining to take 5 wickets.
So, what has happened to this team;
Aaron Bailey - opened the batting and went on to be a member of the 1st XI who won the Leinster Senior Cup in 2013. Has played 50 games for the 1st team. Occasionally he still turns out for YM 2nd XI.
Padraic Flanagan - has fleeted in and out of the 1st XI over the years playing 45 games, however Paddy has had a great season with the ball and is in the 1st XI playing this weekend.
Callum Donnelly - currently travelling he is still playing mostly for the 2nd XI & 3rd XI who he has captained on numerous occasions.
Dale McDonough (Capt) - currently playing in Pembroke CC where he captains their 2nd XI and set up his own company which looks after both YMCA & Pembroke CC as Head Groundsman.
Michael Kirk - now playing his cricket in Greystones CC.
Kamal Merchant - still coaching, still playing, a vital cog in the YM Academy throwing thousands and thousands of balls to young players as he continues to coach and mentor in YM.
Geoff Cole - not playing cricket anymore but following in the footsteps of the Cole family at Monkstown Hockey Club. Brothers Steven & Lee both currently in the Ireland Senior Mens Hockey Squad.
Ryan Bailey - plays the odd time for YM 4ths however he is now a sports journalist @The42_ie covering all sports particularly Football, Cricket, Rugby & Hockey.
Rory Anderson - went away to both study and travel however has returned to Dublin where he continues to play cricket at YMCA.
John Orr - has not played since that 2012 season and slipped away quietly.
Arran Copeland - another who has not played since 2014 and is currently playing rugby for Old Wesley RFC.
The link for scorecard of the Middle Cup Final 2012.
https://ymcadublin.secure-club.com/scorecard/fixtureID_284739/3rd-XI-v-Railway-Union-3-04-Aug-2012.aspx
MIDDLE CUP FINAL 2017
YMCA 3rd XI V MERRION 4th XI
@Balbriggan CC
Sunday 6th August - 1pm start