The 3rd match of the Gerry Duffy T20 Cup saw Phoenix visiting The Village on a much welcomed dry and bright evening.

The evening started badly for Malahide, losing the toss and being put in first. But that was the last and only bad news of the match as the home team, full of confidence following two previous wins in this competition, set about the Phoenix attack without showing any mercy.

There were some new faces in our team replacing a few of our starred players who were away in the Gaeltacht, but the familiar opening pair of Matthew Clarke and Aaron Doyle started briskly, both retiring not out on 35. Aaron retired first with an 18 ball onslaught that included 6 boundaries and then Matthew and the incoming batsman Oliver Manks, both retired shortly afterwards on 35 also.

So after 5 overs, we were in the 50's without loss.

The pressure was maintained and Daniel Crampton clubbed a quick 21 before attempting a shot he must have seen in the IPL - resulting in his departure. Captain James Dickinson was still there at the end, unbeaten on 18. A monster score of 168 for 2 must have looked daunting to the Phoenix boys.

Our bowling attack proved as ruthless as the batting line-up, with our opening attack (Matthew Clarke & Oliver Manks) claiming 5 wickets in the first 7 overs. Oliver finishing on an impressive 4 overs, one maiden, 4 wickets for 3 runs. Mitch Grant stepped in with a fast and straight line that claimed 2 wickets for 3 runs in 2 overs also, before Charlie Askew mopped up number 11 with his second ball. Phoenix all out for just 40.

Malahide were dominant throughout with bat and ball, but also they were sharp in the field, Adam Gardiner saving a hat full of runs at mid on. Great team spirit and banter from our boys that was worth an extra man in the field.

Fabulous team effort from all 11.