Irish face test ahead of ICC Trophy

Eleven of Ireland's Toronto-bound squad will play together for the last time before leaving for Canada and the challenge of the ICC Trophy, when they face a powerful Overseas XI at Castle Avenue today.

Only Decker Curry, Derek Heasley and Jason Molins are unavailable, and Ireland skipper Kyle McCallan and his men are sure to be well tested in a match which is the highlight of Clontarf cricket club's 125th anniversary celebrations.

The strength of the Overseas XI, brought together by Leinster Cricket Union President Tom Prior, is reflected in the fact that four of the team - Jeremy Bray, Brad Spanner, Chris Torrisi and Andre Botha - were ranked among the top six batsmen in the Leinster averages last season. Botha was the top bowler in Leinster, while Hendy Wallace and Nazeer Shaukat weren't far behind.

Also included in the Overseas is the former Scotland all-rounder Jim Govan and Matthew Love, the Australian pro who has succeeded Botha at Clontarf. And the fact that Clontarf's Thinus Fourie has been named 12th man is another indication of the formidable talent of this team.

Ireland coach Ken Rutherford said the match will be valuable ahead of Sunday's departure for Canada. "It will be good match practice. I hope that our players will concentrate on getting runs and wickets and hopefully secure a victory which would be a great morale-booster before we leave."

Ireland: K McCallan (Cliftonville, capt), P Davy (Pembroke), M Dwyer (The Hills), R Eagleson (Carrickfergus), E Joyce (Merrion), D Joyce (Merrion), A McCoubrey (Ballymena), P Mooney (North County), A Patterson (Cliftonville), M Patterson (Cliftonville), A White (North Down).

LCU President's Overseas XI: H Wallace (Phoenix capt), A Botha (North County), J Bray (Phoenix), J Govan (Malahide), R Hastie (Pembroke), W Dundon (The Hills), T Johnston (Leinster), M Love (Clontarf), N Shaukat (Rush), C Torrisi (Merrion), B Spanner (Merrion). 12th man: T Fourie (Clontarf).