RUSH AIMING FOR FOURTH NATIONAL CUP SUCCESS

Three times champions Rush are hoping for a fourth success in the National Cup, but they have been given a tough task as they take on two-times finalists Terenure.

“Terenure are always a good test and we definitely won’t be taking them lightly,” said a club spokesperson. “We know they have some good players and match-winners in their side.

“We should have a good home support watching at Kenure which are always very much appreciated by all the squad and can act as a 12th man at times, especially in close games.

“The team news is that Allan Eastwood returns after a hamstring injury which has kept him out for the past few weeks but with a late fitness test for Jack McGee who has been out with an ankle injury since the first-round win against Burndennett.

“With our side we have had some standout performances so far this season but the most pleasing thing is that there have been good contributions from everyone in the squad so far this season so we hope that depth will bring us through in this game.”

Terenure skipper Donal Lynch is looking forward to the clash, and have an almost full-strength squad to choose from.

“Gethin Kelleher has been made unavailable by CL U17 management due to a game against Munster on Monday,” said Lynch. “Mark Thomas is also a week away from full fitness. 

“Henry Dall has recovered from a back injury to come back in and Benjamin Dillon makes a first National Cup appearance after impressing in the recent T20s. Dylan Cleary will lead the attack and looking for runs from Séamus Lynch, Henry Dall and Raghav Grover in particular.”

North County are the other previous winners of the competition in the last eight, and the Balrothery side – who have also won five Irish Senior Cups – are on the road to Donacloney Mill.

“We are looking forward to welcoming North County to the Factory Ground,” said skipper Matthew Lyttle. “It’s the furthest we have ever got in this competition after a great win also in the T20 semi-final last week. 

“Unfortunately, I'm out with a hamstring injury and Mark Hanna misses the game with a shoulder problem. Max Lyttle is home from university in Nottingham to fill in for injuries.”

The two remaining North West teams have been given home draws with Ballyspallen taking on Leinster Division Four surprise package Sandyford, while Strabane entertain Templepatrick.

Ballyspallen have enjoyed recent success, buoyed by the availability of Ireland A international Graham Kennedy, back from Australia on holiday, and his brother Stephen is looking forward to skippering ‘Spallen on Sunday.

“The team is looking forward to the game for a chance of getting to a semi-final which is a great effort for the lads,” said Kennedy. “There is a good buzz around the club with recent results and we hope to continue that this weekend.

“Regarding the team we are missing a couple of players but feel we can put in a good all-round performance and hopefully get to the next round which I know will be no easy task against a good Sandyford team.”

Strabane have cup pedigree, winning the Irish Cup back in 1998, and include in their ranks John Mooney, who played such an integral part in North County’s side over the decades. Pakistan overseas player Nasir Nawaz is captain of the Tyrone side, who are fighting for trophies on four fronts.

“It honestly feels really great when you're winning, the team is winning and your own performances are good. So, it's really fun at the minute. I am very happy with my team, we are playing much better cricket this season. This season we have many goals and Inshallah, we will achieve all of them.
 
“The main achievement goal for any team or player is for the team to finish the season successfully. We have reached one cup final and are very close to reaching two more finals. Things are happening for us at the minute as well as cup success, I’d like for us to gain promotion this season.”

“We are very close to the final stages so it would be brilliant to get there. However, there are no easy games and we know that we have to continue to work hard in training and play hard in matches to ensure success.”

All four matches in the National Cup are 40 overs per side and get underway at 1.30pm (or earlier if both sides agree).

NATIONAL CUP

Rush v Terenure
Donacloney Mill v North County
Ballyspallen v Sandyford
Strabane v Templepatrick