Poor displays by Irish rivals

A GROWING belief within the Ireland camp in Malaysia that there is no insurmountable obstacle to their gaining a place in the 1999 World Cup finals was strengthened yesterday by the poor performances of two rivals for the ICC Trophy.

Kenya, conquerors of the West Indies only a year ago, lost eight wickets in passing a modest Singapore total of 89 while Bermuda, top seeds in Group D, were beaten by Hong Kong. The knowledge that both are fallible, allied to the boost Alan Lewis gave his colleagues by batting through 50 overs against Gibraltar for the Trophy's first century, make for justifiable - if still quiet - confidence. Lewis was up early yesterday morning, showing no ill effects from his marathon effort. He said: "I lost a couple of kilograms during the knock but we've got the diet and hydration side of things worked out here so I'm feeling OK."

The only cloud on another rainless day was a convincing performance by the USA in bettering Ireland's opening day total as they scored 312-6 against Gibraltar. Faoud Bacchus, the West Indian former Test batsman, made 100 not out.

While Ireland must still beat the USA or Kenya to claim a place in the last eight, they will be careful not to slip up today against an improved Israel side at the Royal Military. Academy ground. Coach Mike Hendrick has made three changes to the team that beat Gibraltar.

Slow left-armer Greg Molins who did little wrong on his one-day international debut is replaced by veteran off-spinner Gaifield Harrison. With Uel Graham ill and not available, Derek Heasley gets a chance ahead of Peter Gillespie as fourth seamer and because he will bat at six, Allan Rutherford is back behind the stumps at the expense of Andrew Patterson.

If Hendrick had considered sparing seamers Mark Patterson and Paul McCrum another day in the humidity before the USA game on Thursday, their contribution to the 21 wides bowled to Gibraltar would have dampened his compassion. Umpires have been unduly harsh on anything missing the stumps and Ireland's bowlers need to tightens up, conversely by relaxing a bit, if they are not to give the batsmen extra work.