Nails were in short supply amongst managers and parents at the top pitch in the Castle on Sunday as the U13A boys continued their unbeaten start to the season with a thrilling tie against Merrion.

Batting first, Merrion were tied down early by fantastic bowling from Alex Hallows (4 for 8 off 4 overs) and were a mere 33-3 approaching the halfway point of their innings.  Two very good batsmen, and two quick innings later, and the pressure had been released with Merrion recovering to a very respectable final total of 112-7.

In reply, Malahide started slowly, with Ben Askew, Zac Woods and David O'Halloran all getting double-digit starts but not pushing on. Alex Hallows and Cormac Burke then came together at the crease in the 13th over with the score at 61-4, and the required run rate hovering at 7 an over. With Cormac turning every single into a double through great running between wickets, and Alex smashing a regular boundary, the boys put on 42 runs for the fifth wicket with Cormac eventually run out for 17 with the first ball of the final over. That left 12 runs to get in 5 balls, and with Alex on strike and Matthew Jeffrey-Carrick at the other end running like a stallion, Alex proceeded to take 9 off the next four balls. Spectators couldn't watch as the final ball passed the bat without contact but by the time the keeper had collected it, Matthew was through for the run and had pressured the keeper to shy at the bowler's end with Alex well short. However the throw missed, there was no one close to back up, and Matthew speedily turned around and came back for the second, tieing run. Cue rejoicing for Malahide, Merrion left scratching their heads, and all the spectators wishing every game was like this! Albeit maybe a one-run victory next time!