It's been 38 long years since Phoenix lifted the Irish Senior Cup for the first and only time, but they have a real chance of further glory this weekend as they take on Merrion in the final at The Mardyke.

They have four internationals in their dynamic line-up - George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Ben White and Head Coach Tyrone Kane - with another former one, David Langford-Smith - assisting 'TK'.

Phoenix are led by the charasmatic skipper Adam Chester, who would dearly love to get his hands on the Bob Kerr trophy.

"It would mean everything to me, as Phoenix has been my club since I was 7," Chester told CricketEurope. "David Langford Smith started as my youth coach - now he is our assistant coach, so it has gone full circle. 

"There’s so many people who have dedicated themselves to Phoenix on and off the field in recent years so it would be nice to bring Bob back to the Park on Saturday night after 38 years."

The good news for Phoenix supporters is that they have no injury concerns ahead of the biggest game since that 1986 win.

"Thankfully, we have a full-strength team," said Chester. "Nic Pretorius takes the gloves, while Shane Getkate continues his new role opening the batting where he has thrived in recent weeks with Levon Sheilds.

Adam Chester

"In my opinion the best white-ball cricketer in Ireland at the moment George Dockrell will bat at 4. Whenever he is available he is a brilliant asset for me as captain to lean on with all his experience and knowledge of the game. 

"We have a spin quartet  of Amish, Ben White, Dev Ranolia and George, while the seamers are Jack Lalor, Tyrone Kane, and Irish youth international Theo Dempsey. 

Chester baulks at suggestions that Phoenix have been a tad inconsistent, not truly fullfilling their potential.

"We have played incredible cricket this season. In this competition alone we have beat some super teams, CIYMS, Bready, North Down.

"Some people may see how we play and define it as inconsistent and that’s fine they are entitled to their opinion. But it has got us to the All Ireland Final this weekend, so we are certainly happy with our brand of cricket. 

"My message all week has been clear to the lads in preparation and it won’t change Saturday. Be brave, be aggressive, believe in what has got us here."

Standing in their way though is a battle-hardened Merrion side, with the two-times winners having great cup pedigree, Chester acknowledges it will be tough against the Anglesea Road side.

"We have a huge amount of respect for Merrion as a club and a team, having played two really tough games against each other this season played in the right spirit and finished off with a beer between the two teams after. 

"Merrion have a great record in recent years in this competition there is no disputing that, but we have in my opinion the best spin attack in the country so that is obviously a huge strength of ours we will be looking to utilise on Saturday. 

"Our batting lineup is so explosive we have power all the way down, as well as guys who can take us deep in terms of batting long. It really is set up to be a great contest."

You get the sense that Phoenix have a real sense of destiny and purpose around the club, and Chester hopes that his dream of lifting the famous tropy will be fulfilled come Saturday.

"At the end of last year we sat down and really wanted to give this year a good rattle on all fronts but in particular we love the All-Ireland. Its the pinnacle of Club Cricket in this country. 

"Whatever happens on Saturday I am extremely proud of this team. With a bit of luck we will be celebrating Saturday as All Ireland Champions."

They have a further boost with the news from the Merrion camp that Mikey O'Reilly has been ruled out with a stress fracture of his foot.

Head Coach Nicky Kenny though is relishing the occasion as Merrion reach yet another final.

"We can’t wait to get down to Cork and take on one of the best teams in Ireland.

"They have quality and match winners throughout their team, we always enjoy our battles with Phoenix and have no doubt it’s going to be a nail-biter."

PHOENIX

Levon Shields
Shane Getkate
Jack Lalor
George Dockrell 
Nic Pretorius+
Adam Chester*
Tyrone Kane
Amish Sidhu
Theo Dempsey
Dev Ranolia
Ben White
12th - James Maginiss