Wins for Ireland and Scotland Under-19s
Ireland and Scotland Under-19s got their campaigns off to a flyer with crushing wins, but the real test will come when they face each other on Tuesday
Cricinfo staff
24-Jul-2007
With only one place up for grabs from each qualifying group at next year's Under-19 World Cup, competition between Ireland and Scotland will be stiff. Both got their campaigns off to a flyer, with crushing wins, but the real test will come when they face off on Wednesday.
In the meantime, they almost went through the motions. Ireland beat Netherlands by eight wickets with more than ten overs to spare at Bangor. Bob Entrop's 36 was the lone light - and even he was outscored by the 37 extras - as Netherlands crumbled for 123.
But Netherlands were hamstrung before the game even began by an administrative error which left Graeme and Chris Davey, the South African-born twin brothers, unable to play. Because of their South African passports, the Dutch board was supposed to prove their eligibility ahead of the match (on residence and development criteria) which they failed to do in time.
Alexei Kervezee had to take on the captaincy duties in place of Graeme, while another wicketkeeper had to be found to replace Chris. The twins will, however, be eligible for the next match - against Scotland - because the error has now been rectified.
Strike bowler Richard Keaveney shone for Ireland, with 4 for 29, helping to restrict Netherlands and make Ireland's batting task easier. They lost just Christopher Dougherty (7) and Paul Stirling (22) as James Hall and Ben Ackland took them home without alarm, both making unbeaten forties.
Scotland's thumping win came against Denmark, who they beat by 145 runs. Scott Dalgleish's decision to bat came good when he topscored with 68 to help them reach 255 at Belfast. Ryan Flannigan made 48, and Charles Legget 43 before he was run out.
Sixteen-year-old Suleman Arshad was easily Denmark's best bowler, returning 4 for 21 from ten, including the top three batsmen. But by the time he was introduced, as third change, Scotland had carved out a handy platform.
Ross Paxton then spun Scotland to victory with 5 for 24 after Calum MacLeod had dismissed the openers. A promising fourth-wicket stand of 48 was the best Denmark could offer; as soon as Rizwan Mahmood was out for 27, the innings quickly subsided.