Cricket:Ireland staged a late push for victory but eventually had to settle for a draw in their opening ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Kenya.
The hosts’ declaration on 224 for seven at Eglinton left the African team needing 298 for victory on the fourth and final day.
A couple of wickets from Trent Johnston (two for 52) helped to reduce Kenya to 82 for four as the champions sensed victory.
A fifth-wicket stand of 105 between captain Maurice Ouma (37) and Collins Obuya (84) appeared to have salvaged the game for the visitors, who were even in position to launch an unlikely late run chase at Woodvale Road.
They both fell within the space of six overs, however, and when Andrew White (two for six) ousted Jimmy Kamande and Nehemiah Odhiambo with the score on 241, Ireland needed just two more wickets for victory.
Kenya dug in, though, for the final few overs to seal a draw - from which they took no bonus points to their hosts’ six.
Ireland next face Scotland in the competition in Aberdeen, the match starting on August 17th.