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There is a lot of work being done both on and off the pitch as the Munster Reds make their return to the Interprovincial scene
The Munster Reds make their return to the Interprovincial scene on Friday May 26th when the Northern Knights visit The Mardyke on the first weekend of the Hanley Energy IP20 series.

The preparation and planning has been completed both on the pitch but also in arranging a day and evening of activities and entertainment for all the family.

Well aware that the fan base is not as established as the other unions, Munster Cricket are looking to provide an attractive entertainment option for Munster sports fans.

With this in mind there will be BBQs, kids cricket, music and lots more to entertain what is hoped will be a “sea of red” before, during and after the game.

Underlying it all however will be the action on the pitch, something that Coach Ted Williamson is all too aware of. He is keen to provide an entertaining evening for what is hoped will be a sizeable crowd but knows that it all comes back to the players. “I know there is a lot of ancillary stuff going on but it is an opportunity for the Munster public to see some of the best players in the country.”

Williamson has a clear idea of where Munster Cricket can move to, “Year 1 is about being as competitive as we can and maybe in three to five years we’ll have a fully-fledged Munster team.

For the moment however local talent has been supplemented by bringing in some players from the National Academy and the Leinster Union. These players will add experience and nous to the team and ensure that what is a strong group will be even more competitive. Being uncompetitive won’t bring the fans back Williamson continued but most importantly it’s not good for players as they can get stuck in a rut and “if it’s not a good experience for players, they don’t learn”.

There is already a strong unit building up below the Munster Reds and having these Interprovincial matches gives these “next cabs off the rank” an opportunity to see where they are and see what’s expected at this level.

Off the pitch quality, competitive T20 cricket will also encourage the fans to come back on Friday evenings to the Mardyke and support their Munster Reds. As Williamson said “It can capture the imagination if the games are good and if the games are tight”.

The Hanley Energy IP20 begins on Friday May 26th with the Munster Reds hosting the Northern Knights at The Mardyke in Cork at 5pm
At the same time in Bready CC the North West Warriors host the Leinster Lightning.


Cricket Ireland
The Mardyke where Munster Reds host the Northern Knights
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Connaught