An early August - yet very chilly - Monday evening saw the U13 lads take on an experienced Leinster team in the Plate final at Observatory Lane.  Leinster won the toss and elected to bat. Despite bowling two excellent opening overs, it was difficult for Diarmuid and Daniel to contain the opening pair, although Diarmuid did snare a wicket in his third over.  Rory, Ciaran, Ewan and Sam toiled away without luck : the other Leinster opener and first drop both eventually retired.  With these retirements, the run rate slowed and Sam came into his own : getting two wickets, one bowled the other a good catch from Dan.  Wilhelm also picked up a wicket, a good catch by SJ down the leg side. Good contributions in the field from Paul, Finn and special mention to Adam for accepting a late call up to help in the field. The target for Malahide : 124.
Rory and Wilhelm have probably never faced faster bowling than the Leinster opener.  The lads defended resolutely, until Rory was undone by an inswinging yorker.  When Wilhelm 9, went, deceived by the slowness of the other opener who effected a caught and bowled, the lads were faced with an uphill battle.  Eoghan and SJ steadied the ship though : Eoghan defended sensibly and SJ, after a nervous start, played his shots well.  The two shared a partnership of 29 before Eoghan , 9 was caught. SJ and Ewan hit some great boundaries, before SJ retired not out on 36.  Ewan batted well to hit 22 not out, and contributions from Diarmuid 7 and Dan 4 took the score to 103.  A great game, played in good spirit, with special thanks to Leinster CC for the hospitality, including food and drinks for both lads and parents at conclusion.