Irish cricket news roundup (3 Sep 1999)

2 September 1999

Irish cricket news roundup

Gerry Byrne provides his usual informative round-up of news from Ireland.

"The series against the South African Academy XI results in each side winning two of the One day matches and the two three day matches, both of which have been designated first class by the South African Board, being drawn. The tour started with a three day game at Castle Avenue which the South African side had the better of. This was followed by two One day games in Dublin, the first of which was won by the South Africans and the second by Ireland, on the Duckworth Lewis method, the first time that this method has been used to determine a match in Ireland.

The series then moved North. The second of the three day matches was scheduled for Lurgan but was reduced to a two day game when overnight rain caused play on the first day to be rained off. There was some disagreement about this decision with the South Africans keen to play, even to the extent that given some doubts about the fitness of the wicket and in the light of their superior pace bowling, they were prepared to bat first if Ireland had a concern about the conditions. This was not taken up and the umpires ruled the wicket to be unplayable.

More difficulties arose after that game in that an incident arose which resulted in the suspension of one of the Irish team and another who had decided to play for his club side rather than the full Irish side was ruled out for the rest of that tour and the game against MCC that followed it. Given the disruption these two issues caused to the Irish team it was perhaps not surprising that the Irish team was heavily defeated in the first of the one day games. However, they came back with a bang in the second game and successfully chased a score in excess of 250 to win, with Peter Davy scoring 97 and adding 184 for the second wicket with Barry Archer, a record partnership for Ireland in any limited overs match for any wicket. Following the end of the Irish tour, in which Jonty Rhodes featured as a guest player for Ireland, the South Africans moved on to Scotland where they played two first class matches also and a series of one days.

The player involved in the incident, which also involved another player on his side, was subsequently suspended by the Irish Cricket Union for five years from representative cricket and until the end of next season from domestic cricket. However, this is presently under appeal.

Ireland then went to Lords to play MCC but this game ended in a draw. MCC declared their first innings closed at 171-8 and at the end of the first day Ireland were just about level with two wickets down. All expected a declaration overnight, given this was a two day game. However, Ireland decided to bat on in the hope of being able to set a large enough target to give them a chance of an innings win, with Davy scoring his first century for Ireland. However, when they eventually declared, MCC were easily able to bat out the rest of the time and so the match ended in a draw.

There is only one match left this season, the annual three day first class match against Scotland. This is to be held next weekend.

The only other news on the Irish front is that the contract of coach Mike Hendrick, due to expire at the end of the year, has been terminated by mutual consent and he has left the post already. It is likely that the position will be advertised, possibly over the Internet, with a view to the new coach being in position before the Under 19 side go to Sri Lanka for the Colts World Cup. They qualified for this by coming runners up in the European Colts trophy held in Belfast.

On the domestic front, the final of the Irish Senior Cup features two sides from the North West, Brigade and Limavady. This is due to take place on Friday 3rd September. They are two very strong sides with perhaps Limavady slight favourites, particularly if former Irish opening batsman Decker Curry produces the form he is well capable of.

On the local front The various Cup Finals have been played in the different regions. In Leinster, Pembroke met the Hills for the third time in the last four years in the Final. Pembroke won a low scoring game by 23 runs. Batting first Pembroke seemed in deep trouble at 53-7 at Lunch. However, one of the younger players, bowler Ronan Smith, came to their rescue with 72*, leading to a final total of 150-8 in their 60 Overs. They ten started well and had The Hills 18-5. However, The Hills then staged a recovery with Paul Mooney and a young Irish born Australian, Gavin Ryan, batting well together to bring the total up to 97-5 before Ryan was bowled. Eventually The Hills were all out for 123 giving Pembroke their second Cup win in three years. Pembroke had been runners up in the Lewis Traub League, losing to Merrion by two wickets in the final off the very last ball. The Senior League is in full flow at the moment with Clontarf, promoted from Section B at the end of last season, looking to be in a commanding position to win this.

In the North West the Cup Winners were Limavady who beat Donemana in the final. In the Northern Cricket Union the Final was disrupted by the weather and had to be continued over two weekends. Eventually NICC beat Woodvale by 14 runs. In both of those provinces the Leagues are well in progress and looking to be heading to exciting finishes. In the Northern Union, North Down seem to be in pole position with a lead of four points (equal to one win) and two games in hand."