Despite some very well attended and intensive training sessions, our U13A team were humbled by an extremely well-organised YMCA side.  Having won the toss, YMCA amassed a total of 145 for 6 with two batsmen retiring at 35.  The early morning breeze was particularly bitter for Malahide's opening duo of Diarmuid Burke and Ciaran Cope, the former starting well and the latter finishing strongly, but both toiled without reward.  Ben Askew entered the attack at first change and immediately hit the right length, claiming a wicket in his first over. SJ de Klerk brought himself on against the breeze and faced some strong hitting; likewise Rory Govan bowling his off-spinners.  Matthew Carrick also put in a good spell.  Binyam Keegan effected a good run out;  Daniel Murphy took a difficult low catch at square leg and Christopher Deacon, Eoghan Keohane and Paul Devine put in a good effort in the field.

YMCA's total was always going to be difficult to attain and it proved to be the case.  The wind lessened, the sun shone a little more strongly, the ground was a little drier : the fielding and bowling a little easier.  SJ and Ben actually started well, with SJ playing his shots from the outset.  Ben looked to have played himself in when he was unfortunately stumped.  With even less luck Rory was adjudged LBW facing only his second ball.  Matthew, Paul and Daniel found the going difficult whilst SJ continued to play strongly, eventually holing out to mid-on for 22.   Eoghan displayed stolid defence until the final over whilst Binyam executed a couple of well-timed drives.  After the allotted 20 overs Malahide was 99 short, with the lads and coaches left with a lot to think about.