Pembroke power into Irish Senior Cup final

Competition favourites Pembroke reached the Irish Senior Cup final with a 70-run victory over Malahide at Sydney Parade and remain firmly on course to add to their 2019 success.

A side packed with Irish internationals flexed its considerable batting muscle by posting 354 for four from 50 overs.

Tim Tector was the outstanding performer, carrying his bat for a magnificent unbeaten 169 from 135 deliveries, including 13 fours and six sixes.

He shared a commanding second-wicket partnership of 230 with Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie, whose measured 101 from 119 balls contained nine boundaries.

Lorcan Tucker then added a rapid 30 from 15 deliveries before Addison Sheriff’s unbeaten 15 completed a formidable total.

Malahide initially responded impressively despite losing three early wickets for 49.

Captain Jeremy Martins and Greg Ford rebuilt the innings with a superb fourth-wicket stand of 204, keeping their side firmly in contention. Ford struck 114 from 89 balls, including nine fours and six sixes, while Martins made 91.

However, the pressure of the required rate eventually told. Once Ford departed at 253, Malahide suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their final seven wickets for only 31 runs.

Byron McDonough claimed four for 53, Gavin Hoey took three wickets and Sheriff added two as Malahide were dismissed for 284.

Pembroke now advance to the decider with another Senior Cup crown firmly in their sights.