On Thursday evening, Malahide Women's 2nd Xl welcomed Leinster for the final match of the season. Malahide fielded first and the opening bowlers of Aisling (1-12) and Isobel (1-19) bowled brilliantly and made Leinster work hard for their runs. Malahide fielded really well with great wicket keeping from Gemma and  catches from Maria & Tess. Sarah (1-23) and Beth (1-4) took wickets while Juliette, Katie, Maria and Tess all bowled well, keeping the Leinster total down to 94 for 4 from their 20 overs. 

Malahide started their chase well with Isobel (6) and Aisling (1) opening the batting. Sarah (16) hit the ball really well as did Tess (14). With 3 wickets down Karen (7) joined Tess and they formed a good partnership together of 30 runs.  Unfortunately, Leinster got a few quick wickets as the match was becoming close. Some good running from Gemma (7*), Sofia (2) and Beth (2) kept the Malahide total going. Gemma and Juliette fought hard at the end of the innings but unfortunately, Malahide ended up 4 runs short at 90 for 4 from their 20 overs. 

This was a great Team effort from Malahide and very fitting for the last match of the season. This season has seen the Women's 2nd team develop in lots of areas and end up with some great wins, a few losses and some very close scores that could have gone Malahide's way, like this match with the league leaders, Leinster. Special mention to our captain, Tess who encouraged every single team member throughout the season, listened to the team's ideas, been so welcoming to new players and always let from the front. 😀  Thanks to Babs, who every match, organised the team, making sure throughout the season that everyone was included and that everything always ran smoothly. To our coach, Danny, who taught us some great cricketing skills, helped us mentally to focus on our game and encouraged us to push ourselves throughout the season. To all the girls on the team, well done for always giving your best, working hard throughout the season and being supportive of each other during the ups and downs of the game of cricket.

Finally none of this would be possible without the constant help and support of our families who transported the team to matches, supported us through sunshine and rain, helped prepared teas and filled the important roles of umpire and scorer. Thank you all so much and it's onwards and upwards next season for the Women's 2nd Xl!! 😀