Andrew Poynter proved the star of Clontarf's opening day encounter with Dublin University, helping his team to a three wicket win at Castle Avenue.

Chasing a modest Trinity total of 155 for 9, Clontarf looked well placed at 120 for 3, thanks to Poynter's 52 from 69 balls (8 fours), and useful cameos from Bill Coghlan (33) and skipper Eoghan Delany (29).

However a flurry of wickets saw them wobble briefly at 146 for 7, with Dhruv Kapoor bowling three consecutive maidens, two of which saw wickets fall, and Tasman-Jones claiming 2 for 32. Clontarf eventually limped over the finishing line to secure the three wicket win and 44 points.

Earlier Trinity had adopted a safety first approach when batting, adding a painful to watch 14 in the first 12 overs of the game. Thankfully they did speed up in posting 155 for 9 in their 50 overs, with Amir Anwar top scoring with 33 from 34 balls (3 fours, 1 six).

New Zealand professional Josh Tasman-Jones played some equisite drives in his 26, while Conor Hoey made a highly entertaining 17.

Andre Botha took two wickets on his return to the club where his career started all those years ago, as did former international team-mate Alex Cusack (2-15) and Paul Ryan (2-17).

A shaky start but a winning one for Clontarf, installed by mnay as promotion certainities and indeed title favourites.

Match photos can be viewed here: http://www.cricketeurope4.net/PHOTOS/2013/ALBUMS/LEINSTER/182405/index.shtml