Pembroke Ladies 1st team will tonight open their 2011 account with an away game in Castle Ave against Clontarf with high hopes of defending their league title from 2010.

Pembroke Ladies 1st, whose team includes seven of the current Irish Women’s Squad are keen to build on last year’s performances and raise the standard of women’s cricket being played.

Ciara Metcalfe (Pembroke Ladies 1st Team Captain) said ‘It will be a tremendous achievement to defend the title against such quality opposition this year. All clubs like Pembroke are continually working hard building up their numbers and trying to improve our leagues.

"Although we do have quite a few Irish players on our first team, it still takes 11 players to work hard and make a good team/squad to select from. We have put in place a good support team with 3 coaches and managers; I think all players across our 3 women’s teams are a credit to our club with the work they have put in pre-season. We look forward to this year's cup and league run for all 3 teams’

Pembroke Ladies 1st opening games -

• Monday 23rd May v Clontarf (A)
• Monday 6th June v Merrion (A) 50 Over's
• Tuesday 21st June v Leinster (H) CUP
• Monday 27th v Rush (A)