In a game reduced to 30 overs under leaden skies, Malahide's innings began brightly.  Watchful batting by Graeme Tarbox (20) and Jack Grant provided a basis on which to build.  Mandip Kumar (38) injected some momentum while Jack went on to reach his maiden 50 for the 5ths.  A mini collapse then allowed Adamstown to gain the initiative, before Matthew Jeffrey-Carrick hit a skillful 24 not out to leave Malahide on 154 for 5.

A wicket in his first over from the excellent Oliver Manks (3 for 30) put the pressure on Adamstowm. Tight, economical bowling from Howard Askew (1 for 15) and Mathew Clarke kept the opposition below the run rate.  Michael Ranaghan bowled with aggression on his debut taking 1 for 25.  Adamstown, however, batted deep and with their opener still in place their middle order started to accelerate after drinks.  

Malahide gave little away in the field.  Michael took two sharp catches at mid-on.  Jack let nothing past the stumps and Oliver Jeffrey-Carrick was razor sharp at cover.  Older players too put their bodies on the line: a tumbling stop at square leg to save four from Howard, Mandip using his shin to save another, and Graeme taking the unusual step of stopping one with his face.  The pinnical though was a flying stop on the boundary right at the end to save a certain six by Matthew J-C, a piece of fielding so athletic and remarkable that it had the opposition applauding.  Alas, the fielding heroics weren't quite enough and Adamstown passed the target with 3 overs to go.

This was a young 5th XI, but they showed passion and no little skill. So, while the game was lost, the real reward was the excellent performance of younger players and the huge promise they showed.