Irish Cricket 2007

**Sheridan** · 08/08/2007, 9:52 PM

Ireland drew with the Netherlands after the second and final day of their European U-17 Championship game at Dundee. Following Ireland's 370-5 on day one, the Dutch were all out for 260 (Smith 4/49, Ackland 3/32.) Ireland racked up 285-6 in their second innings (Balbirnie 106) as the game ended in the draw. Ireland took 22 points from the match, to place them top of the table ahead of Scotland, who registered 21 from their draw with Denmark.

**TheBoss** · 08/08/2007, 11:53 PM

Good start to the tournamant.

Hopefully a good Day 1 v Scotland on Thursday.

**Sheridan** · 09/08/2007, 10:53 AM

Scotland won the toss and elected to bat on day one of their Intercontinental Cup game against Ireland at Stormont. After thirteen overs they've reached 21/0.

The Irish team is as follows:

Porterfield, Morgan, N O'Brien+, K O'Brien, Botha, Cusack, McCallan, Johnston*, White, Thompson, Langford-Smith.

Three spinners on a pitch which traditionally rewards seam bowling...interesting choice.

**Sheridan** · 09/08/2007, 12:14 PM

At lunch on day one, Scotland have reached 50/2. The men out were MacRae (lbw to Kevin O'Brien for 9) and Watson (caught Cusack bowled Johnston for 9.) None of the five Irish bowlers used to date have gone for more than two an over.

**TheBoss** · 09/08/2007, 1:06 PM

Good stuff !

**Sheridan** · 09/08/2007, 1:17 PM

64/4 now. Hamilton copped a bad lbw decision to Kevin O'Brien, then KOB caught Knox off a short Johnston delivery.

**TheBoss** · 09/08/2007, 1:19 PM

Seems they are missing the better players.

**Sheridan** · 09/08/2007, 3:41 PM

140/6 now. Young legspinner Greg Thompson had Berrington caught behind and then bowled McCallum round his pads! Hope he develops into a good 'un, I love watching legspinners.

**Sheridan** · 09/08/2007, 5:22 PM

At close of play on day one, Scotland are 183/7. A ball-achingly soporific stand of 35 off 30 overs (OVERS, not balls) between Wright and Blain frustrated Ireland for long periods after their early incisions. Ireland used eight bowlers throughout the day, the most productive of whom was Trent Johnston, who took 3-27 off 21 overs (nine of them maidens.) It was Johnston who broke the obdurate partnership of Blain and Wright after taking the new ball shortly before close of play, bowling Wright for 36.

Greg Thompson was entrusted with twenty overs (2-48) including the last of the day, which new man Simon Smith hit for twelve! At close of play, the contrast between his figures and those of his partner was startling; Smith 13 off 9 balls, Blain 13 off 98.

**TheBoss** · 09/08/2007, 7:25 PM

Great 1st day, Ireland must be huge favourites now.

**Sheridan** · 10/08/2007, 1:23 PM

Scotland have rallied valiantly on day two. Smith fell to Thompson for 40, but they've reached 309/8 during the afternoon session. Ireland need two quick wickets.

**TheBoss** · 10/08/2007, 1:30 PM

Nel gone to lbw off O'Brien, 314/9.

I think the bowlers took it a little easy, they should be 200-215 all out in fairness.

EDIT: All out for 314.

O'Brien with 4 wickets.

**Sheridan** · 10/08/2007, 1:42 PM

That's a good total on a slow pitch, considering they lost six cheap wickets. Ireland should have the firepower to surpass it, but it won't be easy. I reckon this one will be drawn, so first-innings lead will be decisive.

**Sheridan** · 10/08/2007, 1:56 PM

White is opening with Porterfield. Never seen that before. Ireland 9/0.

**TheBoss** · 10/08/2007, 2:11 PM

Ireland would have to get about 650dec by end of tomorrow me thinks and try to bowl them out on Sunday.

From now, they would need 5/6 runs an over, at he moment 27/0 -> 7 Overs

Very easy to do

**TheBoss** · 10/08/2007, 2:23 PM

Originally Posted by Sheridan

White is opening with Porterfield. Never seen that before.

Well, he lasted longer than William, who is increasingly annoying me getting out early.

**Sheridan** · 10/08/2007, 2:25 PM

Yeah, Johnston admitted in a recent interview that he was in the side for his fielding.

**TheBoss** · 10/08/2007, 2:27 PM

Why is he top of the order then ?

**TheBoss** · 10/08/2007, 2:35 PM

Have a quick look at the score, and it says 40/3
Morgan and White have got out.

Oh, this could an embarrassing score v Scotland.
Both O'Briens at the crease.

Its like the World Cup again