Ireland A struggle on first day

Ireland A struggled on the first day of their three-day game against Kent seconds at Maidstone yesterday after making a promising start.

A half-century from opener Chris Dougherty and a brisk 38 from Lee Nelson helped Ireland to a score of 118 for two at lunch on a good pitch.

The rest of the day belonged to Kent as Ireland were bowled out for 176, losing their last eight wickets for just 58 runs.

An unbeaten 124 from England under-19 international Daniel Bell-Drummond helped the home side to 206 for two at stumps, with Stuart Thompson getting some late consolation with a wicket off the last ball of the day.

Meanwhile, Ireland all-rounder John Mooney made a winning start to his trial with Sussex at Wimbledon. The North County player hit an unbeaten 19 to help their second team to a two-wicket victory over a Surrey side that included Ireland wicket-keeper Gary Wilson and former England player Mark Ramprakash.