CRICKET/MEN'S SENIOR:Just 40 overs of play were possible on day three of Ireland's clash with South Africa 'A' in Coleraine yesterday as the visitors added 118 runs for the loss of two wickets in their first innings to lead by 39 runs with a day left in the fixture.
Stiaan van Zyl and Farhaan Behardien had added 19 to the overnight score before Stuart Thompson struck twice in his first over to remove the pair and leave South Africa on 121 for six, still 59 adrift Ireland’s first innings total.
Ireland, though, failed to hammer home the advantage as wicket-keeper Heino Kuhn followed up his century in last week’s match between the sides, by finishing the day unbeaten on 57, sharing an unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 98 with Ryan McLaren (36 not out) before rain called an end to the day’s proceedings.
The two sides will meet in three one-day games, starting in Strabane on Sunday, with Ireland coach Phil Simmons recalling CIYMS seam bowler Peter Connell to the senior squad after his strong performance for the North in last Sunday’s Inter-Regional victory over the South.
The 31-year-old New Zealand-born player last played for Ireland against Australia in June 2010 and has taken 104 wickets at an average of 20.35 in his 56 caps. He is one of only three bowlers to have taken a hat-trick for Ireland.
All-rounder Nigel Jones also returns to international action for the first time since the World Twenty20 qualifier in Dubai back in March after recovering from a knee injury.
Andrew Balbirnie has been named in the 13-man squad for the games, although he may yet have to pull out after making his debut for Middlesex in yesterday’s County Championship derby match against Surrey at The Oval.
Brought into the side as he adds a spinning option as well as batting in the middle order, Balbirnie (21) didn’t get to turn his arm, with Ireland team-mate Tim Murtagh taking five wickets for 37 as Surrey were bowled out for 144.
MEN'S UNDER-19:Following defeats to England and hosts Australia, Ireland finally got their first victory under their belts in their final Group A game against Nepal in Townsville yesterday.
After winning the toss, Ireland made a mediocre 185 for eight off their 50 overs, with Shane Getkate (47), Andy McBrine (41) and Tyrone Kane (39 not out) their principle run-getters.
It proved to be enough at the end of the day as senior internationals George Dockrell (four for 22) and Graeme McCarter (two for 31) and North County’s Adam Coughlan (two for 39) helped bowl Nepal out for 171 to secure a 14-run victory.
Ireland will now enter the play-offs for ninth position.
WOMEN'S T20 QUALIFIER: There was no play on the second day of the ICC European Women's Twenty20 qualifier at Bready, with Ireland still leading the table by dint of their opening day victory over Scotland.
Today’s fixtures sees Ireland face the Netherlands at 9.30am, before the Dutch take on Scotland at 3pm. The top two teams go on to the world qualifier.
EMMET RIORDAN
