Lismore Cricket Club 1XI
The 2024 season was a memorable one for us at Lismore Cricket Club. We started off in the MCU Division 3 T20 League, where our first match on May 25th against Cork Harlequins at Farmers Cross unfortunately ended in a no result due to weather. However, we quickly found our rhythm. On June 3rd, we played Waterford & District CC at home and secured a comfortable 49-run victory. Our momentum continued on June 15th, where we had a strong 94-run win over Cork County CC. That same day, we faced Midleton CC and earned a solid 90-run victory, which really boosted the team’s confidence early on.
In the T20 League quarterfinals on July 6th, we played two matches at home. We chased down 121 to win by 5 wickets against Cork Harlequins, followed by a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Midleton after bowling them out for just 32 runs. Moving into the semifinal on July 13th against Nenagh CC, rain affected the match, and the DLS method was used, but we managed a 47-run win. Later that day, in the grand final, we played Cork Harlequins again. Our team put on a dominant performance, winning by 107 runs after posting a total of 220/6, which was a wonderful way to wrap up our T20 campaign.
In the MCU Division 3 B 40-Over League, our season started on May 19th with a comfortable 7-wicket win over Cork Harlequins CC. However, on June 22nd, we faced a close loss to Nenagh CC by 4 wickets. We quickly recovered with a 9-wicket win against Midleton on June 29th. July was challenging, with a tough 3-wicket loss to Nenagh on July 27th, but we continued to play competitively.
August brought some standout moments. On August 3rd, we posted an impressive 317/9 against Cork Harlequins, winning by 204 runs. We faced a setback on August 17th, narrowly losing to Clare CC by 3 wickets. But on August 24th, we bounced back with a strong 129-run win over Midleton at home.
The season concluded on a high note on September 7th, with a convincing 196-run victory over Clare CC at home, scoring 331 and bowling them out for 135. It was a satisfying way to close the season, and we were proud of our performances.
Looking back, it was a season of learning and growth. We had some close losses but also achieved some significant wins, particularly in the T20 League, which was a highlight for us. Overall, it was a successful season, and we look forward to building on this momentum next year!
Many thank to our 1XI skippers Gireesh Nair, and Nat Simcox (who took over when Gireesh was injured). Taverners Skippers Dan Dixon, Paddy Byrne, Nat Simcox. The Executive of; Chairman Nat Simcox, Secretary Dan Dixon, Treasurer Brendan Coyle, as well as our very active committee, and most of all Head Groundsman Michael Condon who keeps the show on the track.
This season, we also made significant strides in improving our facilities at Lismore Cricket Club, thanks to club investment, a sports capital grant, and sponsorships. We’re proud to announce the acquisition of mobile dome covers, which will provide much-needed protection for the pitch. Additionally, we’ve laid down a brand new practice wicket, which will be crucial for training and development as we continue to grow. These investments will strengthen the club and help ensure better playing conditions for our teams and visiting sides.
Match Results
MCU Division 3 T20 League
Saturday, 25 May
Cork Harlequins CC 5th XI vs. Lismore CC 1st XI at Farmers Cross, Cork:
No result due to abandonment.
Monday, 3 June
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Waterford & District CC 2nd XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground:
Lismore CC won by 49 runs.
Lismore CC 161
Waterford & District CC 112/9
Saturday, 15 June
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Cork County CC 5th XI at The Mardyke, Cork:
Lismore CC won by 94 runs.
Lismore CC 169/5
Cork County CC 75
Saturday, 15 June
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Midleton CC 4th XI at The Mardyke:
Lismore CC won by 90 runs.
Lismore CC 168/8
Midleton CC 78
MCU Division 3 T20 League 2024 – Batting Summary
Top Performers:
- Miguel Carolino was the standout performer with 140 runs across 3 innings, averaging 46.67, with two half-centuries. His highest score was 57, and he hit 14 fours and 9 sixes.
- Gireesh Nair played 3 innings, with a highest score of 34.
- Vivek Thomas contributed with 33 runs in 3 innings, including a highest score of 19, averaging 16.50.
- Brendan Coyle played a single match and scored an unbeaten 31.
- Manu Babu made 30 runs across 2 innings.
Other Contributions:
- B Pillai scored 26 runs in one outing.
- Guna Nanjappa added 20 runs from 2 innings.
MCU Division 3 T20 League 2024 – Bowling Summary
Top Performers:
- Manikandan N took 4 wickets in 2 matches, with best figures of 4-21 and an average of 7.00, conceding runs at 5.60 RPO.
- Sarath Jose was highly economical, claiming 4 wickets for just 19 runs across 2 matches, with a stellar best of 4-7 and a 4.75 average.
- G Nair picked up 3 wickets in 3 matches, maintaining a solid economy of 4.00 and best figures of 2-6.
- Michael Talbot impressed with 3 wickets in his only match, with best figures of 3-20, averaging 6.67.
Other Contributions:
- Sarathikumar Nagulsamy took 2 wickets in 2 matches with a bowling average of 10.00.
- Guna Nanjappa chipped in with 2 wickets over 9 overs.
MCU Division 3 T20 Final Series
Saturday, 6 July – Quarterfinals
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 4th XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC won by 5 wickets.
Cork Harlequins CC 120/7
Lismore CC 121/5
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Midleton CC 4th XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC won by 8 wickets.
Midleton CC 32
Lismore CC 37/2
Saturday, 13 July – Semifinal
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Nenagh CC 3rd XI at Townparks, Midleton:
Lismore CC won by 47 runs (DLS method).
Lismore CC 145/5
Nenagh CC 39/4 (7/10 overs)
Saturday, 13 July – Grand Final
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 4th XI at Townparks, Midleton:
Lismore CC won by 107 runs.
Lismore CC 220/6
Cork Harlequins CC 113/7
Lismore CC 1st XI dominated the Division 3 T20 League Cup final series, securing their victory in the grand final by a massive 107 runs, capping off an outstanding T20 campaign.
MCU Division 3 T20 Finals Series 2024 – Batting Summary
Top Performers:
- Miguel Carolino led the charge with 165 runs in 3 innings, including a century (100*) in the semi and a half-century in the final. He averaged an impressive 82.50 with a strike rate of 144.93, hitting 28 fours and 23 sixes.
- Michael Talbot also shone, scoring 139 runs in 3 innings with a century in the final) at an average of 69.50.
Other Contributions:
- Manu Babu scored 32 runs across 3 innings with a highest score of 17.
- B Pillai made 29 runs in 1 innings.
- Vivek Thomas contributed with a highest score of 23.
Both leagues saw strong performances from key batters like Carolino and Talbot, showcasing Lismore CC’s batting depth and ability to post competitive totals.
MCU Division 3 T20 Finals Series 2024 – Bowling Summary
Top Performers:
- Michael Talbot was outstanding, taking 11 wickets in 4 matches, with an average of 5.55, and best figures of 3-12 in the semi final ensuring our DLS victory, while maintaining an economy of 4.69.
- Manikandan N grabbed 4 wickets in 4 matches, with an economy of 4.27 and best bowling of 3-2.
- Gikhil Francis and Nat Simcox both took 2 wickets each, with best figures of 2-20 and 2-16 respectively.
Other Contributions:
- Jayamohan Kuruvilla and Guna Nanjappa picked up 1 wicket each, with Kuruvilla having best figures of 1-5.
MCU Division 3 B 40 Overs League
Sunday, 19 May
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 5th XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC won by 7 wickets.
Cork Harlequins CC 77
Lismore CC 78/3
Saturday, 22 June
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Nenagh CC 3rd XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC lost by 4 wickets.
Lismore CC 198/9
Nenagh CC 204/6
Saturday, 29 June
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Midleton CC 4th XI at Townparks, Midleton:
Lismore CC won by 9 wickets.
Midleton CC 61
Lismore CC 62/1
Saturday, 27 July
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Nenagh CC 3rd XI at Knockshigowna Cricket Grounds, Nenagh:
Lismore CC lost by 3 wickets.
Lismore CC 211
Nenagh CC 214/7
Saturday, 3 August
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Cork Harlequins CC 5th XI at Farmers Cross, Cork:
Lismore CC won by 204 runs.
Lismore CC 317/9
Cork Harlequins CC 113
Saturday, 17 August
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Clare CC 3rd XI at Ballycasey Clare Oval, Shannon:
Lismore CC lost by 3 wickets.
Lismore CC 109
Clare CC 111/7
Saturday, 24 August
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Midleton CC 4th XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC won by 129 runs.
Lismore CC 261
Midleton CC 132
Saturday, 7 September
Lismore CC 1st XI vs. Clare CC 3rd XI at Castlelands Cricket Ground, Lismore:
Lismore CC won by 196 runs.
Lismore CC 331
Clare CC 135
MCU Division 3 B 2024 – Batting Summary
Top Performers:
- Guna Nanjappa: Leading the charts with 298 runs in 6 innings, averaging 49.67, with three 50s and a high score of 73. He hit 32 fours and 12 sixes, contributing 20.88% of the team’s total runs.
- Michael Talbot: Scored 229 runs at an average of 45.80 across 6 innings, with a high score of 89 and two fifties. He hit 20 fours and 9 sixes, contributing 16.59% of the team’s total.
- Miguel Carolino: Scored a century (122*) in his only match, with 8 fours and 12 sixes.
- Manu Babu: Scored 128 runs in 5 innings at an average of 32.00, with a high score of 44.
Consistent Contributions:
- Vivek Thomas: Scored 104 runs in 7 innings at a strike rate of 91.67, with a top score of 41, hitting 11 fours.
- Nat Simcox: Scored 68 runs in 6 innings, averaging 13.60, with a high score of 27.
- Sarathikumar Nagulsamy: Managed 65 runs in 6 innings with a top score of 26 and an average of 13.00.
Notable Performances:
- Nirmal George Alex scored 59 runs in 3 innings with a half-century (52) and an average of 29.50.
- Manikandan N added 50 runs in 6 innings, with a high score of 31*.
This summary highlights the key batting contributions in the league, with a standout century from Miguel Carolino and consistent performances from Guna Nanjappa and Michael Talbot.
MCU Division 3 B 2024 – Bowling Summary
Top Performers:
- Manu Babu: Bowled 10 overs across 4 innings, conceding 67 runs and taking 8 wickets with an average of 8.38 and an economy rate of 6.70. His best bowling figures were 4-16.
- Niju Joseph: Delivered 19 overs in 4 innings, giving away 78 runs and claiming 6 wickets at an average of 13.00 and an economy rate of 4.11. Best bowling figures were 3-18.
- Jayamohan Kuruvilla: Took 5 wickets in 10 overs across 3 innings with an average of 10.40 and an economy rate of 5.20. His best figures were 3-7.
Consistent Performances:
- Michael Talbot: Took 6 wickets in 30 overs across 6 innings, with an average of 18.33 and an economy rate of 3.67. Best figures were 2-46.
- Sarathikumar Nagulsamy: Took 5 wickets with an average of 12.40 and an economy rate of 6.10. Best figures were 3-4.
- Guna Nanjappa: Took 6 wickets in 31 overs across 7 innings, with an average of 23.50 and an economy rate of 4.55. Best figures were 2-39.
Key Contributions:
- Michael Condon: Took 3 wickets in 6.4 overs across 3 innings, with an average of 7.00 and an economy rate of 3.15. Best figures were 2-6.
- Jibrin Augustine: Claimed 3 wickets in 8.2 overs across 2 innings, with an average of 6.67 and an economy rate of 2.40. Best figures were 3-12.
- Nat Simcox: Took 2 wickets in 4 overs across 2 innings, with an average of 6.50 and an economy rate of 3.25. Best figures were 1-4.
Lismore Blues (Taverners)
The Friendly team also had some excisitng matchs and excellent results, showcasing some fantastic performances by the Lismore Blues. Here’s a summary of our friendly fixtures:
1. Friendly – Home – Lismore Blues vs RTE Taverners (1st June 2024):
We faced the RTE Taverners and fell short, with the Taverners scoring 147 for 7 in 30 overs, while we managed 117 for 9 in our 30 overs. Top performers for us included Dan with 32 not out and Nat with 22. On the bowling side, Michael Condon took 2 wickets for 15 runs in 3 overs, and Kevin Cotter also grabbed 2 wickets for 26 runs in 3 overs.
2. Friendly – Home – Lismore Blues vs Laois Lions (9th June 2024):
We enjoyed a convincing win against the Laois Lions. We posted 133 for 7 in 30 overs, and the Lions were restricted to 55 for 9 in 24 overs. Mani led the batting with 29, while Carl contributed 21. In bowling, Kevin Cotter and Ian Tovet each took 2 wickets, with Kevin giving away just 10 runs in 3 overs and Ian 16 runs in 3 overs.
3. Friendly – Home – Lismore Blues vs White City (29th July 2024):
This match saw us securing a solid victory 49 run victory. Gikhil Francis stood out with a remarkable 101 not out, supported by Paddy with 16 runs. In bowling, Michael Condon delivered 7 overs with 5 maidens, taking 1 wicket for only 3 runs, while Joby Jacob took 2 wickets for just 2 runs in 3 overs.
4. Friendly – Home – Lismore Blues vs Enniscorthy (1st September 2024):
We clinched another win, chasing down Enniscorthy’s score of 103 for 9 in 30 overs with ease, finishing at 104 for 4 in 20 overs. Nat Simcox was the top scorer with 28 not out, with Sarathi contributing 22 runs. Mani excelled with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 14 runs in 6 overs, and Kev Cotter also impressed, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs.
5. Friendly – Home – Lismore Blues vs Munster Gentleman’s XI (15th September 2024):
Our final match saw us finish the season on a high with an 18-run victory over the Munster Gentleman’s XI (Feat. Adrian Stack). Nat Simcox led the charge with 34 not out, and Mike Talbot chipped in with 28 runs. Nat Simcox and Michael Condon were the standout bowler, delivering an excellent spells, taking 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
These matches have been a great showcase of our team’s spirit, and I’m proud of how we’ve performed throughout the season.
Lismore Cricket Knights & Youth
We recently completed one of the most successful “Smash It” camps ever held in Munster here at Lismore Cricket Club. Over 20 children, both boys and girls aged 5-9, took part in the eight-week program, where they were introduced to cricket in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. With fantastic support from Cricket Ireland’s Liam Foulkes and our own dedicated team, we managed to engage the local community and inspire a new generation of cricketers. We’re proud of everyone’s efforts and can’t wait to run it again next season!
Read more about our Kids Blitz to end the season here
