Pembroke Cricket Club have to make room in their trophy cabinet for a second Bob Kerr Trophy as they sweep aside CSNI in a hard fought contest to decide the Evara Irish Senior Cup for 2026.
After a lively start, Pembroke lost in-form opener Tim Tector for 15, but the CSNI hopes – however – were soon snuffed out with JJ Garth and Andrew Balbirnie sharing in a commanding 136-run second wicket stand.
Balbirnie looked near faultless in his 73 off 86 balls, striking 9 fours along the way as he continued his recent form in the international arena.
However, spinner James West (4-45) claimed Balbirnie’s wicket trapped in front and the thoughts on a 350+ score receded as the CSNI’s bowlers looked for a way back into the contest.
JJ Garth had other thoughts – he upped the batting tempo and brought up a sublime century off 129 balls – his efforts largely contributing to Pembroke finishing with 306-8 from 50 overs.
With light showers around, the pitch was livened up and the Pembroke pace attack set to work.
The Belfast-side soon found themselves 37-3 in the 8th over. Ryan Hunter (46), Stuart Thompson (32), Adam Leckey (21) and Harry Dyer (22*) battled hard, but the scoreboard pressure mounted rapidly and the northern side’s innings was over in the 37th over for 173.
This was Pembroke’s second Evara Irish Senior Cup win after their 2019 triumph – and continues the highly successful season underway for the Dubliners.
