Another defeat and another tough day on the top pitch against an experienced Hills 3rd XI but lots of positives and much to look forward to. The inclusion of regulars Brian Gilmore and Howard Askew just about prevented it being the youngest Malahide 4th XI in many years.

Malahide made a great start and at the start of the 30th over were 131-1 (Brian 27; Koushik CS 49*; David O' Halloran 38*). Koushik went one short of his 50 and wickets tumbled as the young guns were pressed into pushing on the rate in a reduced 40 over.

The second half started badly for the home side as the usually reliable and economic Howard went for 34 in his first 3 overs at the hands of big hitting Van Royen. When he was rightly replaced the recovery started. Ben Askew bowled very well at the other end and eventually got the 6 hitter caught by keeper Kadam. David O' Halloran brought much needed control as he replaced Howard. Diarmuid Burke's 4th XI debut resulted in an excellent spell of left arm over and Rory Govan and Wilhelm de Klerk followed up with more calm and confident spells.

The Hills made their target easily in the end but there is a good young team developing here