Simmons seeks a better display

CRICKET:IRELAND COACH Phil Simmons remains hopeful he will have a full squad to pick from for today's second match in the RSA Challenge Series against Kenya at Castle Avenue in Clontarf (10.45am).

Left-arm spinner Regan West hurt his shoulder while fielding during Thursday’s three-wicket victory in the opening game, although luckily it was the right one. He received treatment yesterday and Simmons will wait until this morning before making a decision on his fitness.

Although his side secured victory in the opener, Simmons wasn’t overly impressed and is looking for an improvement today. “I was happy to win the game, but there was a lot that didn’t go right and we didn’t execute in all areas,” said Simmons.

The fact Ireland failed to take a wicket until the 21st over of the Kenyan innings will doubtless come into Simmons’s mind when he selects his side this morning, with Peter Connell in line to join Boyd Rankin with the new ball. He also has the option of handing a debut to Andrew Britton, but is likely to wait until the final game of the series tomorrow to give the young Fox Lodge seamer a start.

Paul Stirling was unlucky to miss out in the first game after his century against the Kenyans in the Intercontinental Cup clash and the 18-year-old could challenge Andre Botha for his spot in the batting order. Normally an automatic choice, Botha has been unable to bowl due to an ankle injury and has had a lean time with the bat since scoring a century against Kenya in last October’s Intercontinental Cup clash in Nairobi.

A poor forecast for today could change all those plans, although the buffer of going a game up takes the pressure off.

Ireland’s underage squads named yesterday saw Pembroke all-rounder Kim Garth being named in both the girls’ under-17 and boys’ under-13 selections.

A daughter of former international cricketer player Jonathan Garth, Kim impressed for Leinster in last week’s boys’ under-13 interprovincial series and has been selected for Ireland’s games against a West of Scotland Under-14 side on July 23rd at Carrickfergus and their tour to England in August when they take on Middlesex.

In between she will play in the Girls’ Under-17 European Championships in the Netherlands at the end of this month.

FIXTURES: SATURDAY: RSA Challenge Series: Ireland v Kenya, Castle Avenue, Clontarf, 10.45. Leinster Senior League (1.0) – Section A: Merrion v Leinster, Anglesea Road; Pembroke v The Hills, Sydney Parade. Section B: Phoenix v YMCA, Phoenix Park.

SUNDAY: RSA Challenge Series: Ireland v Kenya, Castle Avenue, Clontarf, 10.45. Leinster Senior League (1.0) – Section B: Old Belvedere v CYM, Cabra, 1.0.