IRELAND begin their second three day fixture of the season at Malahide today against an MCC selection that will provide a greater test of their abilities than the Welsh side with which they drew last weekend.
With both the inaugural European Cup and the Triple Crown approaching, one of Mike Hendrick's biggest problems is in finding the right combination at the top of the order. There has yet to be a sizeable opening partnership this summer, and the MCC's - ball attack of Tony Dodemaide and Tony Pigott will not make things any easier.
Piggott, who played his one and only test back in 1983, has lost some nip in the intervening years but remains a handy operator, while Dodemaide took 6 for 9 for Sussex against Ireland at Downpatrick six years ago.
Justin Benson and Kyle McCallan will probably open up, as they did against Wales, but whether Benson will be risked against the new ball in one day games remains to be seen. New cap Andrew Patterson may well bat at three and could keep wicket in one innings, alternating with Alan Rutherford.
There has been one late change to the Irish side: Ryan Eagleson is unwell and so Paul McCrum steps in.
With the 50 Overs League approaching the conclusion of its preliminary stage, just one semifinal spot remains undecided. Leinster and The Hills are already through from Section A. while Old Belvedere are guaranteed first place in Section B even before their final group game against Trinity tomorrow.
Three clubs are in contention for the final berth: YMCA, Merrion and CYM. All kinds of permutations are still possible. In the event of a second place tie qualification will be determined by the result in the matches played between the relevant sides. If that formula doesn't work, run rate will come into play.
. Good news for the Leinster Cricket Union is that they have secured sponsorship for this season's senior league. The official sponsor is the River House Hotel in Dublin's Temple Bar and the competition will be known as the River House, League.
LCU president Derek Brennan announced the sponsorship details at a special reception in the CYM club in Terenure yesterday evening. No exact figures were mentioned but he confirmed that there would be prize money.
