Middle order collapse puts Scotland in control

CRICKET INTERCONTINENTAL TROPHY:AN OPENING day of fluctuating fortunes saw Ireland cede the early advantage in this Intercontinental Cup clash as Scotland finished in the ascendancy at Mannonfield in Aberdeen.

The home side finished the day on 76 for two, with Qasim Sheikh and Ryan Watson having put on 43 for the third wicket to leave the hosts 126 runs behind Ireland.

Much of Scotland’s success came in a second session, where Ireland collapsed from 122 to two to 197 for nine, with off-spinner Majid Haq cutting a swathe through the middle order as he bowled an unbroken of 16.4 overs, taking four wickets for 24 runs.

He took just eight balls after tea to finish off the job when Trent Johnston gave Richie Berrington a third catch of the innings and Haq a first five-wicket haul in the first-class game as Ireland were bowled out for 202 in the 67th over.

Gordon Goudie was the other standout bowler for the home side, taking four wickets for 58.

Phil Simmons had packed the side with batting, a fact best illustrated by number 11 Regan West, who has a senior ton in club cricket this season.

Simmons also had the benefit of the services of William Porterfield to call on after he was released by Gloucestershire, and the skipper helped Ireland make a fine start in a quick, 51-run opening stand with Jeremy Bray.

Goudie would make the breakthrough in the 13th over, when Bray edged behind to wicket-keeper Douglas Lockhart after he had made 27.

Ireland suffered a blow just before the interval when teenager Paul Stirling aimed one straight down the neck of Goudie at long leg off the bowling of Berrington after making 32.

It didn’t get any better after the interval, although Alex Cusack was unlucky to be adjudged leg-before for six, having looked to have got some bat on a Haq delivery. The bowler also got the benefit of the doubt when he struck Botha on the pads as he departed for a duck.

Porterfield’s knock was growing in significance and it took a special bit of fielding to end his stay, with Berrington taking a fine low catch at point to get rid of him for 77 to leave Ireland on 160 for five.

It was now time for the batting strength to prove itself, but Johnston’s knock of 16 was the best of a bad lot.