Selectors get squad right for Toronto

When national coach Ken Rutherford makes one of his regular visits to the north west this week, it is unlikely he will be conferred with the Freedom of the City of Derry.

After Saturday's one-sided second international trial match at Stormont, Rutherford and his fellow-selectors announced the 14-man squad for the ICC Trophy tournament in Toronto. And the north west, one of the strongest of strongholds of Irish cricket, had just one representative , the vice-captain, Desmond "Decker" Curry of Limavady. There are three more north west players in the panel of four non-travelling substitutes - Alan Rutherford (Brigade), Mark Gillespie (Strabane) and Gary Neely (Donemana).

But, to be objective, it is difficult to argue with the composition of the squad. And, as Rutherford pointed out, the players in the running had been given every opportunity, with last year's international campaign and inter-provincial championship as well as the trial matches and South African training camp this season.

If we must be parochial, the south (meaning Leinster) is well represented, with six players chosen. They are Peter Davy, Matt Dwyer, Dom Joyce, Ed Joyce, Jason Molins and Paul Mooney, and there can be no quibbles about their selection.

The third trial match at Eglinton on Saturday week, May 26th, said Rutherford, will probably feature a team drawn from the Toronto squad, opposed by a side including the three extras, the four substitutes plus some youngsters, like 16year old prospect William Porterfield, as well as professional players. The coach intends the match to be a real contest, vital in the build-up to the ICC tournament.

In Saturday's trial, Jason Molins top-scored for the side which he captained, hitting 55 off 70 balls, including seven fours. David Kennedy's 46 came off 56 deliveries, with four fours, while Peter Gillespie faced 64 balls for his 36 and hit five boundaries.

But had there been a man-of-the match award it surely would have gone to Peter Davy, who hit a super century. In doing so, he faced 122 balls, and hit one six and 13 fours.