It’s semi-finals time in the Irish Senior Cup with two Leinster v NCU clashes lined up on Sunday.

Tournament favourites Merrion have an away day trip to 2011 finalists Instonians, but the two-times winners will be full of confidence having knocked out tournament kingpins Waringstown in the quarter-finals.

They keep the same side for the last four-clash and skipper Sam Harbinson is looking forward to pitting their wits against the NCU league champions.

“We are really excited to travel up to Shaws Bridge and compete against an extremely talented team,” said Harbinson. “Instonians have plenty of match winners including Ireland and interprovincial representatives. 

“It’s never easy to travel up North in the Irish Cup and we will have to prepare very well and bring our best for what promises to be a tough battle.”

It hasn’t been the best of seasons for Instonians, but they are enjoying better fortunes in the cups.

“The whole team are really looking forward to a home draw after a very tough quarter-final in which the scoreline probably didn’t reflect the closeness of the game,” said Inst skipper Nikolai Smith. 

“It’s going to be fantastic to have a team of Merrion’s quality on show at Shaw’s Bridge and testing ourselves against one of the strongest teams in the competition. I’m sure there will be a fantastic crowd down to see some high-quality cricket on display.”

In the other half of the draw, in-form Phoenix have the chance to reach their first decider since their sole triumph, way back in 1986 when Alf Masood inspired them to success against Donemana.

“The lads are excited about the opportunity that awaits on Sunday,” said Phoenix captain Adam Chester. 

“It’s been a long time since we have won this competition but we are in a great place this season. We are in the Leinster Senior Cup final, still in the mix in the Premier League and in this semi-final. We have played a great brand of cricket so far this summer and that won’t change on Sunday.

“CIYMS are a class team with proven performers throughout, they beat us at home in the 2022 semi when they went on to win it so we will be looking to get one back on them. Nic Pretorius is enjoying some time in South Africa but other than that we are at full strength for the clash.”

CIYMS have been dealt a major blow with the absence of overseas professional Bamanye Xenxe.

“Bamanye sadly had to fly home last week due to his dad passing away. Bamanye and his family are in the thoughts of everyone at the club during a very difficult time,” said CIYMS captain John Matchett.

“We are obviously delighted to have reached this stage again, and are really motivated to go all the way. 

“We haven’t had it all our way this year but have probably put together our best performances in this cup and actually shown just how good we can be. 

“Phoenix are a strong side with a lot of dangerous players so it promises to be a wonderful game, and another great occasion for the club to be involved in.”

Both matches on Sunday will start at 12:30pm.