THE SAD NEWS of David Pigot's death after a short illness cast a shadow over the weekend's cricket. Phoenix, the club for which he played from the 1940s through to the 1990s, postponed their Conqueror Cup first round match with The Hills and a minate's silence was observed before all of the other ties.

David Pigot made his international debut against Middlesex at Ormeau in 1966 at the age of 37. He represented his country on a further 43 occasions, including the famous victory over the West Indians in 1969. He was also a marvellous servant to Irish cricket off the field, acting as president both of the ICU and LCU. Our thoughts are with his wife, Detta, and his three children - David jnr, Janet and Vicky.

The inclusion of new cap Andrew Patterson (Cliftonville), at the expense of Carlisle's Greg Molins, is one of two changes in the Ireland side to play the MCC at Malahide next weekend. Skipper Alan Lewis who was rested against Wales last week, comes in for seamer Paul McCrum.

Presumably Patterson, who is a wicket keeper/batsman for club and province, will play purely as a batsman on this occasion. He and his brother Mark join a fairly long list of siblings that have played together for Ireland, including the McCrums, Paul and Charlie and the McBrine twins, James and Junior.

. While rain prevented Munster and Leinster from reaching a conclusion at The Mardyke, yesterday's other AIB Interprovincial, between North West and the NCU at Eglinton ended in dramatic fashion.

Chasing North West's 170 for seven in a game reduced to 27 overs a side, the NCU needed seven from the last over, bowled by former international Nigel Thompson. Three were still required from the last delivery, but Ryan Eagleson could only squeeze Thompson's yorker to mid off for a single.

Earlier, Stephen Warke had scored a fluent 57 from 70 balls, including five boundaries, but it seems the international selectors now consider him "surplus to requirements".

Justin Benson helped Malahide to their first victory in the 50 Overs League. Railway Union were the unlucky opponents, as Benson hammered 14 fours and three sixes in his undefeated 141. Railway could only muster 133 in reply to Malahide's 227 for six.