An opening stand of 122 by Anu Bhandari and Jeremy Bray gave Phoenix the platform they needed to see off the challenge of Malahide in this Leinster Senior 50 Overs League Section A match, sponsored by Lewis Traub, at Malahide yesterday. The eventual 37-run victory margin was closer than had seemed possible, as Malahide, chasing 215 to win, were reeling at 63 for 4 at one stage, having lost opening bat Jim Govan in the first over.

Bhandari's splendid 71 was hit off 79 balls and included 11 fours, while Bray's knock of 42 came off 76 deliveries, with five boundaries. There were other useful contributions from David Piggot with 39 and Gary Black with 28.

No individual Malahide bowler exactly set the field alight, and three run-outs certainly helped the home cause. Still, the former Scotland spinner Govan bowled tightly for his 1 for 27 off the regulation ten overs.

That particular regulation was by-passed when Phoenix took the field, as Sean Bray, who captured 4 for 33, was inadvertently allowed to bowl 10 overs.

Malahide's overseas professional, Trevor Savage, was his team's top-scorer with a fine 68, off 102 balls, with three fours and a six thrown in for good measure. Reinhart Strydom contributed 26, Peter Saville 17, and the last man, Karl Beetge, hit a lusty 15, but by then Malahide's cause was lost.

Bhandari, who had hit an undefeated 52 against Rush on Saturday, completed a fine two days by taking 3 for 39.