Shamil Kootembeth's best shot, a straight flat six over the sightscreen, was reminiscent of his hero the Little Master from Bombay.  Shamil continued his run with an outstanding 70 going aerial as required.  Himself and young Adam Doyle 21 rattled along with an opening partnership of 54 in 8 overs which was crucial in a relatively low contest.   Malcolm Ogilvie 20 solidified the middle innings as the 4ths posted a competitive 165 in 39.3 on a mat on a grassy outfield.

Teenage seamers Daniel Read and Eoghan Keohane, sensibly resisting that extra pizza slice for tea, withstood the early onslaught and courageously kept their line.  Read bowled through in an outstanding spell, 8 overs 3 for 19.  Keohane also excelled with 5 overs 1 for 20.  Left arm spinner Sean Drumm picked up a vital wicket.  And then keeper Marv Russell removed his pads and wrapped up the innings in 3 overs 4 for 6, all bowled!  Ogilvie deputised behind the sticks.

Longford 2 - 110 all out in 26 overs
4's win by 55 runs

Match played in Newtownforbes, County Longford - 250k round trip.

Brian Gilmore