Ireland's batsmen let themselves down in the first game of their English tour, bowled out on a superb batting pitch for 190.

Chasing a formidable 292 for victory, Ireland collapsed to 77 for six as the top order surrendered their wickets much too easily.

Dominick Joyce was run out in the first over, too slow to respond to Decker Curry's call for a single, Curry himself played an ill-judged hook and was caught at mid-wicket and when Peter Davy was bowled, Ireland were 34 for three in the eighth over.

Jason Molins looked in positive form but he too ultimately played a careless shot, driving in the air straight to extra cover and Andrew Patterson played on in the next over.

Andrew White and Paul Mooney took advantage of some very poor bowling to add 57 for the seventh wicket and White then charged to 69 off 57 balls, adapting immediately to his new role as a middle-order batsman. If the bowling is as friendly as this, he will look forward to staying at number six. Ireland's bowling was not nearly consistent enough to trouble a couple of very good batsmen although they missed two great opportunities to make early inroads.

Mark Richardson, the New Zealand Test opening batsman, made 117, with 12 fours, but was dropped on 31 off Matt Dwyer who also put down a return catch from John Bean which was to cost another 40 runs.

The fielding in general needs to be much sharper and Ireland have much to work on this week, starting today when they play their second game, against MCC, without Molins who is working.