Three very short, and wet, months after they first met, the Development T20 final took place on the hallowed turf of MCC, a cross between Lords and Lourdes. The toss was delayed due to crowd congestion but as the stands began to fill, the excitement and anticipation approached fever pitch.

Skip Trooper, Lango, won the toss and decided to bowl, hoping that the dry and cracking crease would yield an early advantage. Christina was leading the Fireflies, and once GT had explained the rules of this beautiful sport yet again to Fitz, proceedings got underway with Akshat and Margot opening the batting.

After a sluggish start, the pace picked up and Akshat & Ramim treated the adoring crowd to an exhibition of shot making on their way to magical maximums. Teagan was stopped halfway by a pearler from James and Toby, the Langos and Emilia all took wickets to keep the pressure on.

Despite the impressive attack, the Fireflies kept the scoreboard ticking over, although there was a massive setback when the Duffinator C&B Maurice! Luckily Fitz had brought his scoring boots and with a large slice of luck via Hamish, he doubled his tally for the season with a 23 N/O! The Fireflies had set a target of 159 - could the Troopers chase that down on a quickening outfield?

Christina had decided upon a cunning stratagem - alternate the bowling between outrageous and excellent! Herself, Oisin, Akshat, Margot, Farhan, Kate, Rey, Muhib and Teagan delivered a stunning display of line, length, spin and pace that would trouble any batting lineup.

The Troopers dug in, fighting for every run and had notable innings from Sean (retired), Gemma and Clodagh, but a hyped up Mo was catching everything above ground and radar-arm Muhib hit the stumps every time he retrieved the ball in the field.

Skip Lango tried to rally the troops but the accuracy of the Fireflies was suffocating. In the dying moments Fitz took out Mark and then young Duffy took a stunning wicket to end it!

All that was left was the delicious BBQ and the awards:

🏏 Oisin - bowler of the match

🏏 Clodagh - batter of the match

🏏 Sinead T - fielder of the match

🏏 Cristina, on behalf of the Fireflies, the 2023 Development T20 Cup

🏏 Fitz - hip replacement and a knee reconstruction

Massive thanks to GT & Sinead for organising; Hamish for umpiring; BBQ’ing and leaving me in when Aidan caught me plum LBW; Fran & Frosty; and of course, the next generation - what incredible talent is bubbling beneath the surface of MCC, just waiting to explode on the provincial and international scene.

From an old man with too many ice packs, it’s over and out

IF