AFTER A fairly subdued opening day, the cricket at Rathmines yesterday was "rather more purposeful. Fully aware that there will only be five hours in which to force a result today, both Ireland and Wales attempted to get on with it, even though Ireland managed to bowl only 72 overs in just under five hours.
Despite such lethargy, the home side are in a favourable position, leading by 159 runs with eight second innings wickets still in hand. A declaration can be expected after about another hour's batting this morning.
That Ireland are in such a position is due mainly to a reasonably tidy bowling performance, particularly by the Cliftonville pairing of Mark Patterson and Kyle McCallan, and to an entertaining little innings by acting captain, Justin Benson.
The Welsh batsmen were reluctant to hang about themselves, hitting 34 fours and one six during their 258. The innings was built around Stefan Jenkins, who played particularly well before being caught at point off McCallan's first delivery in international cricket. McCallan then conceded just one an over during his ten over spell, quite an achievement during a high scoring day's play.
The only negative aspect of Patterson's performance was that he bowled nine no balls in total but at least none of them were of the eighteen yard variety, like the one he tried at Hove a few weeks ago. He bowled with pace and aggression and fully deserved his four wickets.
Ireland began their second innings at a frantic pace, as Benson dealt ruthlessly with the Welsh new ball attack. By the time he was run out in the tenth over, the score stood at 72, with his contribution amounting to 53. He hit eight fours and two sixes from 39 balls and helped to set the game up for an interesting conclusion today.
Alan Lewis, Ireland's regular skipper but "rested" for this game, still managed to play some cricket this weekend, and he played none too badly at that. Much to dismay, Lewis turned up at Claremont Road for yesterday's 50. Overs League meeting and practically ended their hopes of qualifying to the semi finals from Section B. He hit 45 and took five for 19.
Further good news for the Irish selectors is that Owen Butler made a successful return to cricket yesterday, taking four for 30 in three short, quick spells as Old Belvedere came from behind, to beat Pembroke and book their own semi final spot.
Ted Williamson's run out began the rot for Pembroke and then Butler, operating at first change, removed Wim Jansen and Trevor Dagg with successive deliveries.
Brian O'Rourke and Peter Davy restored some order but then both holed out to Glen Prouten's leg spinners to bring Belvedere back into the game, again.
