It was a delight that after 26 hours of being back in Malahide I was asked to captain the Development X1 v Civil Service.  The  competition is designed to be an introduction for younger players into Adult cricket.  Although Civil service had many cricket novices I was delighted to be surrounded by many of the younger players I had coached in U11 teams.  MCC was also fielding three Father-Son combinations, Caldor, Devine and Manks.  MCC won the toss and elected to bat.  Cameron Caldor and Christopher Deacon opened and retired not out 25 each.  Followed by Adam Doyle retiring on 26.  MCC X1 finishing on 120 for 6 from the 20 overs.  The bowling was opened by Maria O’Halloran (1/13) and Sarah Brophy (2/9) before being followed by the Devine pair of Paul (1/4) and Aiden (2/5). Then the Manks trio of Oliver (1/9), Elliot (1/9) and Hamish (0/11) closed out Civil Service innings  58 for 9. In the field MCC took every chance with Christopher Deacon two catches, including a stunning effort at cover and Greg Caldor held on to one much to his son’s surprize. Sarah and Elliot both held their C&B chances.  In all a fine cricketing effort from a MCC and well played all.

Hamish