Midleton reached the final of the Munster Senior Cup for the first time since 2003 on Sunday, with an incredible team effort against a spirited Co. Kerry side that saw almost 500 runs scored on a perfect day for cricket.
A solid opening stand from Dave Mac and Simon Casey set the foundations for victory, with Casey showing just why many within the club believe him to be one of the top test cricket players in Ireland at the moment. Midleton’s innings was briefly interrupted by by an incident at the neighbouring Midleton Community Hospital garden fete when an unknown assailant attempted to murder the Irish national anthem, but Rob Smyth, who top scored with 61, Kieran O’Reilly (45), Jeff (27), Kashif Kahn and captain Dean Wilson all added much needed runs, before a superb display from Atif Gameel and Peter Thackery added a sting to tail, to leave the tie evenly poised at the break with Midleton on 257/7.
John Mac knocked the top off the Kerry batting lineup, dismissing both openers in his fiery opening spell. Kerry regrouped however, and built a solid third wicket partnership and although Midleton finally made the breakthrough (with Jeff claiming a stumping off Kashif), Kerry continued to creep towards the total. Tight bowling, particularly from Magid Sharif, and heroic fielding won the day in the end as Kerry were all out for 235 as Midleton belied their reputation of being like a fine wine – getting better with age but not very good in cups.
Midleton will meet Co. Galway in the final on Saturday July 23rd in the Mardyke after they accounted for Cork County in the other semi.
