The 5th XI secured a first league win of the season in emphatic manner.  Conscious of the lure of evening concerts for our culturally attuned team members, we opted to bowl first.  The guile of Howard Askew, the pace of Matthew Jeffrey-Carrick (2 for 25), Oliver Manks (1 for 17), and Mathew Clarke (1 for 15) on debut, plus the nagging accuracy of Chris Deacon and Charlie Askew, put pressure on the opposition.  There was real commitment in the field with two excellent catches in the deep by Oliver and some cat-like pouncing from Charlie close in.  Ronan Furlong with 3 catches and a run out had a superb game as keeper.  Nevertheless, Phoenix scored an imposing 199.

On past form, that target would have been too much to chase.  But this team has gained confidence and belief.  Despite losing two quick wickets, Howard (44) restored the balance and after drinks injected real momentum before holing out on the boundary going for a fourth six in a row.  Graeme Tarbox (76*) and incoming batsman Bala Vasudevan (60*) then put on an unbeaten, hundred-plus partnership to see Malahide home in a memorable seven-wicket victory. 

Thank you to Aaron Doyle who fielded as a substitute for Pheonix after their fine opening bowler was injured.