A true captain's innings of 79 by Kyle McCallan saved Ireland from humiliation and earned an honourable 72-run defeat by the Leinster Cricket Union President's Overseas XI at Castle Avenue yesterday.

There were also other useful batting performances which should give the national squad heart as they head to Toronto and the ICC Trophy World Cup qualifying tournament on Sunday.

Batting first, Hendy Wallace's team totalled 316 for five off the regulation 50 overs. The highlight was Andre Botha's magnificent 117 (95 balls, 14 fours, three sixes), even if he was dropped when on 44, 46 and 67.

Thinus Fourie was second highest scorer with 49 (86 deliveries, four fours), followed by a splendid knock from Chris Torrisi, who smashed 44 runs off only 35 balls and hit six boundaries. Ireland's other run-makers were Dom and Ed Joyce, who put on 72 for the third wicket, and Matt Dwyer with an undefeated 21. Ed Joyce's 39 was hit off 46 balls and included six fours, while brother Dom hit 27 off 57 deliveries.