The Boys U15 team lost to a strong North County team in the second round of the cup.  Malahide began brightly.  After the loss of an early wicket, Matthew Clarke (62) and Elliot Manks (59) dominated the N County bowling with powerful hitting and electrifying running in a partnership of 127.  Unfortunately once they were gone we lost the initiative and the remaining  wickets fell for just 36 runs leaving MCC on 161 with an over and half to spare.

In their opening spells Matthew Clarke and Oliver Manks took a wicket each, but North County's top order went on the attack from the start. Their number three was masterful scoring an impressive 74 not out.  We took our catches when they came, including a superbly athletic effort by Matthew C when the ball had seemingly passed over his head at backward point.  But we were always on the back foot in the field.  Only Oscar McCormack, in a fine spell of leg-spin bowling, really unsettled the batsmen.  North County overhauled our total in the 19th over with the loss of 3 wickets.

Thanks to Ann McCormack for scoring and to the parents who turned up to support.  They shall remain nameless in case their employers fail to share the self-evident view that a day in the sunshine at the cricket is better than any work.