IRISH CRICKET:WITH THE World Twenty20 qualifiers coming up in October, Ireland coach Phil Simmons has decided to look at some new faces for tomorrow's A game against Croatia at Claremont Road (2pm).
Simmons is away with the Under-19 side in Jersey, so assistant coach Peter Johnston takes the reins of a side that includes seven uncapped players, with YMCA’s Reinhardt Strydom captaining on his home ground.
One interesting selection sees the return of Dom Joyce, who has been in fine touch with the bat for Merrion this season.
The 28-year-old won the last of his 69 senior caps against South African two years ago. He will be joined in the side by his Anglesea Road team-mate Richard Keaveney, a former Under-19 international, who bowls with genuine pace.
There is also a place for Pembroke’s Allan Eastwood, who offers options with the ball and as a hard-hitting batsman down the order.
Instonians wicket-keeper Rory McCann opens the batting for his club, while Strabane’s Niall McDonnell and Chris Dougherty of Bready have been scoring runs this summer.
North County’s Brian Shields is the other uncapped player in the line-up and he will be in action today as North County take on Pembroke in Section A of the Leinster Senior League at Balrothery.
County have had a bad week after being docked 25 points for playing Australian Matt Johnston in two earlier games even though he wasn’t registered with the Leinster Cricket Union.
They also have a bit of business to settle with Pembroke, who provided the shock of the season when they knocked them out of the Bob Kerr Irish Senior Cup at the quarter-final stages to end their hopes of a third straight win in the competition.
Meanwhile, Ireland team sponsors RSA Insurance have also confirmed that they will sponsor the One-Day international against England at Stormont on August 27th.
The game, just three days after the Ashes series ends, is expected to be a sell-out.
IRELAND A (for T20 game v Croatia, Claremont Road, Sandymount, tomorrow, 2pm):Reinhardt Strydom (YMCA, capt), Chris Dougherty (Bready), Phil Eaglestone (Strabane), Allen Eastwood (Pembroke), Thinus Fourie (CIYMS), Dom Joyce (Merrion), Richard Keaveney (Merrion), Gary Kidd (Waringstown), Rory McCann (Instonians), Niall McDonnell (Strabane), Brian Shields (North County). 12th Man: Ryan Hopkins (Pembroke).
FIXTURES
SATURDAY:Leinster Senior League (1.0 unless stated) – Section A: Clontarf v Merrion, Castle Avenue, 11.0; Railway Union v Leinster, Claremont Road; North County v Pembroke, Balrothery. Section B: Rush v YMCA, Kenure; Old Belvedere v Malahide, Cabra. SUNDAY: T20 Representative Game: Ireland A v Croatia, Claremont Road, 2.0.
