A match of considerable contrasts as a full strength and very fired up Rush Junior team arrived on the top pitch under heavy, muggy skies and damp conditions.

Rush arrived full of energy, presumably a decent season for them with a number of players having had successful overseas trips had left them over-spilling with confidence and almost arrogant. The banter and sledging started during the warm up and at the toss, which Malahide won and chose to bat, much to the apparent amusement of Rush.

So out strode Jack Grant, oblivious to the noisy fielders all around him with their constant chatter, sledging and giggling. The fielders exploding in joy as Jack went for 0 in the first over, followed by fellow opener Mathew Clarke for 1 in the second over.

So the first blood to Rush, perhaps their self-confidence and exuberance was entirely justified, but out came Daniel Crampton, beautifully attired, to smash the Rush attack all over the park. 13 off his first 4 balls. Batting powerfully to silence the Rush fielders. A fabulous 30 retired not out for Daniel. Michael Ranaghan seemed in equally confident form scoring a quick 21 and Finn Doran showed class and skill powering to 26 not out. So our disastrous start recovered to a semi-respectable 120 for 7 off the 20 overs.

Simple maths meant that Rush just needed to pace themselves, which they did with impressive batting from their openers. After 10 overs they were on target with 63 for 2.

More contrasts came next, some fantastic fielding from Malahide, Finn Doran saving 20+ runs with athletic dives and putting his body in the line of fire on numerous occasions. James Dickinson with a great catch tumbling backwards off a skier from his own bowling, Aaron Doyle with a direct hit run out and catching a bullet at gully - but then punctuated by some pantomime fielding with over throws, missed run outs, the red mist descending for a few lads which also cost us runs and probably the game.

Rush reached the required 121 in the last over to win the game. Malahide however achieved in silencing the noisy visitors and showed great attacking courage, team spirit and respect to the opposition despite the tense atmosphere. A big crowd watched this encounter and parents from both sides looked exhausted and relieved when it was all over. Well played and hard luck to the Malahide team.