FOR the first time since 2020, Limerick 1st XI were able to bring the Premier League trophy back to the Shannonside after weekend results saw them crowned champions.
Fixed to play against Cork Harlequins in Farmer’s Cross, heavy overnight rain resulted in damp ground conditions, as umpire Dean Wilson determined an unplayable outfield before the day’s play could begin.
The abandoned result means Limerick keep their percentage at in and around 74 per cent, and despite close rivals County Kerry gaining full points from their remaining two games, it was all academic with the Shannonsider’s existing percentage too high to be caught.
The wait seems somewhat longer than six years,
The wait seems somewhat longer than six years, with the T20 league revised to 20 overs aside due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is Limerick’s first time winning the 50-over format since 2005.
A side which featured experience, youth as well as a number of new signings, a big turnaround from last year saw changes made which brought success.
Many of these were determined by Anvesh Bogavelly, playing in his third season at the club but his first as skipper of the 1st XI. Bogavelly led from the front in a number of matches, making him one of the standout players in Munster this year, as he finished in the top 10 for both the batting and the bowling stats for 2026.
He was supported by a number
He was supported by a number of his other teammates, with seamers Ramoji Alla and Prasad Hegde also amongst the top bowlers in the division, with the former taking 17 wickets from eight games.
With the bat, the Shannonsiders were able to correct their top order, giving them a consistent start to their innings in many games, with the additions of Jaco Potgieter and Sreehari Madyalkar into the middle order causing a constant threat to opposition bowling attacks.
The side managed to put on some very high totals this year, with a 322-run score against County Galway in Lydican featuring as a standout batting performance.
Although the official trophy presentation will not take place until the MCU Awards ceremony later this year, celebrations have begun for Limerick Cricket Club to mark a wonderful season which will go down in the archives as one of the best in the club’s long history.
Source: www.limerickpost.ie
