The Malahide Development XI snatched victory from Adamstown in a tight, keenly-contested encounter.  At first it didn’t augur well for the Malahide team.  We lost our first six wickets for fewer than 50 runs off barely a third of our allotted overs.  Brian was just beginning to motor with boundaries in successive balls when he was out bowled to a ball that hit bat and pad before just dislodging the bails.  The rest of the top order fell to extravagant shots which they seemed sure would clear the boundary, but with which they failed to connect properly, or indeed at all.  Paul, Sofia and Neil then began re-building the innings to take Malahide to 111 off 30 overs.

In the field Malahide went on the offensive.   Christopher (3 wickets), Adam (1) Paul (2), and Mark (1) applied constant pressure on the Adamstown batsman.  Beth made an impressive debut with three very tight overs and taking a well-deserved wicket.  Binyam and Oliver J-C were unlucky to go unrewarded for some quick and unplayable deliveries.  

The quality of the Malahide fielding was again exceptional.  Brian seemed determined to win the title of best adult fielder with flawless ground fielding and a sharp, diving catch.  Binyam showed blistering speed to take a catch that barely counted as a chance.  Paul at mid-on plucked a ball from the air that seemed certain to reach the boundary.  Sofia took an excellent catch behind the stumps.  Adam and Binyam effected run-outs.  And Mark made an athletic diving stop at square leg that will live long in his memory.  

Malahide bowled Adamstown out for 88 to win by 23 runs.  Thanks to Adamstown for being excellent hosts and making the game such a close-fought affair.