On a chill day, Malahide 5s got off to a bright start.  Mandip Kumar and Jack Grant looked comfortable against a useful and varied Leinster attack.  When Mandip (18) fell with the score on 36, Raj Chandi joined Jack in a partnership characterised by intelligent shot selection and excellent running between the wickets.  Both Jack and Raj reached deserved 50s.  At 119 for 2 and a dozen overs remaining, it seemed like a total of over 200 was in reach, but the middle order collapsed.  We lost 7 wickets for just 38 runs.  Only Sarvjeet Singh, with a robust 16 not out, offered real resistance.

Defending 171, Malahide’s attack had to make early inroads.  Sarvjeet took 1 for 26 in a tidy 6-over spell, but in general the seamers struggled to gain the upper hand.  It was only with the introduction of off-spin that we began to exert some pressure.  Raj bowled with guile and control and was unfortunate not to take a wicket.  Young James Dickinson made good on his considerable promise and well deserved his two wickets.  

Leinster passed our total with 6 wickets in hand.  It was a tough day against strong opposition, but the team showed enough to suggest there'll be better ones ahead.