Having lost at home to Rush, the Malahide Development XI were determined to make amends in the return fixture.  The opening bowlers made Malahide’s intentions clear with the pin-point accuracy of Chris Deacon (1-11 off 3 overs) matched at the other end with the virtually unplayable swing bowling of Maria O’Halloran (1-14 off 4).  Some pacey overs from Paul Devine netted him two wickets and Ronan Furlong returned impressive figures of 1 for 22.  Adam Doyle and Mark Deacon bowled with economy and took a wicket each.

Excellent fielding has been the hallmark of every Development game.  Matthew J-C and Adam made their catches look easy and wicketkeeper Sofia Hilmi’s direct hit to the bowler’s end ran out Rush’s opening bat.  The champagne moment, though, must go to Oliver J-C for a brilliant diving catch at cover.

Amongst the adults the competition heated up in the race to win the title of player least likely to be considered too old to field.  Aidan Devine let nothing through mid-on.  Mark Deacon’s adhesive hands gave Neil Carrick two wickets for his imitation leg-spin.  And Brian Thornes staked his claim with a remarkable reflex catch at slip to a ball that shot off the back of the bat from a delivery going down leg side.

With 134 need to win, Malahide’s task was lessened by a superb 89-run partnership for the second wicket between Brian, pulling and cutting his way to 43, and Paul, driving with abandon to score 33.  Yet, once they had gone the game swung in Rush’s favour thanks to tight bowling especially from their young players causing Malahide wickets to fall.  Chris (11*) steadied matters, but with one over to go Malahide still needed 12 to win.  A couple of boundaries eased the pressure and it remained for Neil to hit the winning leg-bye off the final ball to ensure a hard-fought and well-deserved win.

Thanks to Rush for their sportsmanship and hospitality.