Captained by Daniel Johnston , a true all-rounder, the team are looking forward to the season ahead in a tough group. The bat of Masood Ahmed is sure to provide entertainment and a bowler to watch is Bally Bhatia. The Phoenix 2's are certain to finish stong this season.

Training times are as follows:

Tuesday 1st & 2nd XI's Only
Wednesday 3rd & 4th XI's
Thursday All Welcome

Match Reports

Phoenix 2's v Old Belvedere

Despite overnight rain, Colly, the thh trusted Phoenix groundskeeper, had prepared an excellent wicket . Belvedere won the toss and elected to bowl.

A good opening stand from Masood Ahmed (19) and Matt Plunkett-Cole (40) wasn't backed up, and the rest of the side managed to struggle to 137 all out. A couple of questionable LBW decisions contributed to the collapse, and only 37 odd overs were batted, not a good start.

Despite the low score, great enthusiasm in the field and excellent straight bowling from Chris Cavanagh meant Phoenix went to lunch after bowling the half hour required with Belvedere at 13 - 2. An unfortunate incident occurred just before the break. Vipul Gargya and Bibek collided sickeningly as they both went for a high catch. Incredibly, Vipul held the catch, but Bibek suffered a large gash to his top lip. It appears as though his tooth ripped right through his lip in the collision. Last report I had was that he may require plastic surgery to correct it. All our best wishes to Bibek, I will update on his progress next report.

So, despite being a man down, the fine tight bowling and fielding continued, and with wickets steadily falling amongst the maidens, Manu Kumar and Masood Ahmed cleaned up the tail giving Phoenix a great 13 run victory. Chris Cavanagh bowled well taking the first 4 wickets, and Edo De Jongh had an excellent game with the gloves.

Applause must go to Manu Kumar also, deciding to make things a little more exciting by firing in 5 wides when 18 runs were needed for victory, then bowling the last batsman next ball. What showmanship.

Leinster v Phoenix 2's

Phoenix won the toss and elected to bat. Masood Ahmed did well scoring a good, yet fortunate tonn (104). He was dropped about 6 times, but made good strokes in between the good fortune.

A middle order slump left Phoenix disappointingly unable to bat the whole 50 overs, and Leinster were left 230 to win in 55 overs.  Leinster cruised to their target, a dead pitch and nice controlled batting made it a frustrating time in the field. Bally Bhatia took 2 wickets in 2 balls near the end, but it ended a 6 wicket win to Leinster.

A good first effort for the 2's, a little luck with the ball may have turned this one, and a solid batting effort from Masood was backed up nicely by Shahid Farooq (28), Tony Carey (21) and Bally (18).