Avondale benefited from their own administrative mistakes on Saturday when the firsts entertained Wexford 2nds in the Dick O’Neill. Traditionally a reserve of the lower league teams (Avondale seconds played Wexford firsts in the Wallace Cup two weeks ago) the game provided a good opportunity for Shaun O’Reilly’s men to notch up a morale boosting victory. They seized the opportunity in good style.

A rare win for tosser O’Reilly saw him put the opposition into bat. Wexford were soon on the back foot (literally), with debutant Beuck (4-25) using his height to great effect in generating uncomfortable levels of bounce. Bolton (3-10) and Duke (1-15) did further damage and Dale Mcquade showed good consitency with line and length. Only a culture-light 64 from Wexford’s McMillan offered any substantial resistance. Avondale were perhaps disappointing in the field but a solid performance with the ball restricted the visitors to 125 on a good batting surface.