Cricket News round-upMalahide moved to the top of the WMK Leinster Senior League after an impressive home victory over The Hills. The hard-hitting Australian Mike O'Brien made 58 as the Villagers posted a competitive total of 240 off 50 overs. O'Brien was well supported by Ireland under-18 international Conor Geraghty, who made 49, and Damian Ryan (47).
In reply, The Hills fell 24 runs short despite a good knock from Bryn Thomas (42). Medium-pacer Phil Markey was the pick of Malahide bowlers with 3 for 49.
Malahide jump into the lead in Section A, although Clontarf put down their marker for the title on Saturday with a good win over Railway Union at Castle Avenue.
Clontarf, who will play Rush in next Saturday's Senior Cup final, were missing Trent Johnston, Dom Rigby and the injured Greg Molins, but all three are expected to be available for the big game.
Bill Coghlan made himself difficult to drop for that game with 38 not out against Railway, but he played second fiddle to Ronan O'Reilly who made a fine unbeaten 77 as Clontarf passed Railway's total of 169 with nine wickets and 14 overs to spare.
In Section B, Old Belvedere are the form team. They reduced Rush to just 85 all out at Cabra on Saturday, having beaten Pembroke the previous day, and shot to the top of the table with four wins out of four.
