In the last 11 seasons, there are nine players who have averaged over 15 with the bat, and who are likely to be playing for Leinster in 2006. Of these two have not played for the 1sts for several years but are still playing at a lower level, four are integral members of the current team and three are young players who have tasted senior cricket, and have promised enough to make one think that they may have a future.

Standing proud at the top of the list is Mark Jones. Jonesy has been playing for the firsts since he was a mere toddler, and in that time has experienced considerable success, and a little failure, and for the last few seasons has had to carry the teams batting on his not inconsiderable shoulders.

4258 league runs at 24.61 including 26 50's is testament to his class. (Jonesy has asked me to stress that these figures are since 1995. He scored lots of runs before this, and don't you forget!) Hopefully 2006 will see him given plenty of support.

Second on this list is someone who won't actually play for Leinster this year as he will be in Australia. Dave Lucas has never quite nailed down his spot in the 1sts, but despite this has an excellent record of 1011 runs at 21.98. Of these nine players, he is the only one to have scored a senior 100, with a 104 at CYM in 2004.

This season's vice-captain JP O'Dwyer is next, and is the only other current player to have an average over the respectable 20 mark. Something of a stalwart, JP has played 97 games, in the process scoring 1608 runs at 20.10. A destructive hitter on his day, it is something of a shame that he has only scored five 50's. Truly entertaining to watch when he gets going.

At number four in the list of current batsmen is the first of the youngsters on his way up. Ken Taylor has been around since 2000, but has only played for the 1sts sporadically. His 34 against Merrion last year in the high scoring 3 run victory, was his highest score so far, and hopefully 2006 we see him having the opportunity to better his average of 18.00.

Two veterans are 5th and 6th on the list. Dylan Clancy's career goes back long before the arbitary start of 1995 that these stats use. He has scored 751 runs since 95 , including four 50's. His best season in this period was 1998, and he was at not out at the end, when we won our last Senior Cup in 98.

Richie Wadell hasn't played senior cricket since 2002, but has been making a comeback in junior cricket in recent years. A beautiful striker of the ball, Richie was never really given his chance in the batting line-up, frequently batting at 6 in a strong late 1990's line up. 946 runs at an average of 16.89, but without a 50.

Next comes the younger brother of Ken Taylor, Steve. Thrust into the first team in 2004 (perhaps too early) Steve none-the less provided a steady hand in that season when all around were losing their heads. Only 82 senior runs at 16.4, but hopefully more to come.

8th on the list is the final young tyke, Rob Miley. Rob only made his debut last season, but top scored in the Mardyke against Munster Reds with 32. Currently averaging 16.33

And finally we have the skipper for 2006, Will Lennon. After spending the first four seasons of his Leinster career shepherding the tail, Will was promoted as an emergency opener in 2005, after scoroing an excellent 47 not out against Old Belvedere in Cabra. Instantly a hit at the top of the order, Will scored a majestic 92 to send Merrion crashing to another defeat at the hands of Leinster. 822 Senior runs at 15.81, and he should pass the 1000 mark this year,

 

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