The 5th XI had their day in the sun, literally and metaphorically, in a Minor Cup first-round tie against Pembroke 5ths on the main pitch.

Pembroke chose to bat but were soon left ruing that decision.  A run-out in the first over from a direct hit by Bala Vasudevan set the tone for a tight Malahide fielding display.  Pembroke were soon in further trouble with a wicket each to Howard Askew (final figures 2 for 19) and Geoff Read (1 for 17), each bowling their 8 overs for a miserly economy rate of under 2.5.  

From 3 for 3, Pembroke began to re-build their innings and it looked as though they were getting the upper hand when Paul Devine bowled their main batsman in a spell that gave him figures of 3 for 32.  At the other end, Dan Read bowled with aggression and real pace but with no luck.  It remained for Shamil Kootembeth (3 for 12) and Bala (1 for 1) to mop up the last four wickets and conclude a superb all-round bowling performance to have Pembroke all out for 116.  Behind the stumps Brian Thornes had an exemplary game, highlighted by a wonderful diving catch off an inside edge.

The Malahide reply stuttered at first with two wickets falling cheaply, but Howard and Shamil revived the innings with a partnership of over fifty.  Once Howard had gone. the batting faltered again before Geoff (12*) joined Shamil (55*) to push Malahide over the line.  A win by 3 wickets takes the 5th XI into the next round.