The Fifths were taught a hard lesson in the art of T20 cricket against Phoenix at Castleknock College.  Put into bat on a dreich afternoon, Malahide made heavy weather against an attack who took full advantage of a greasy mat and a ball that kept low and skidded on.  Only Adam Doyle (22) made headway, while his team mates fell to a combination of unplayable balls and shots that suggested we were in sun-baked Kolkata rather than a damp Dublin.

We were all out for 45 off barely 12 overs.  Matthew Jeffrey-Carrick's pace unsettled their opener and Brian Thornes took a good catch behind to save us from a ten-wicket defeat.

It's better to draw a veil over this performance and look to set things right in the coming games.  Let's just say that on this showing the IPL isn't about to come calling any time soon.