RAIN caused a premature end to the third and final women's one day international at Kimmage yesterday. In a game reduced to 40 overs a side because of rain, the visitors had reached 138 for 2 from 31 overs when play stopped.

This was an inappropriate end to such a successful 15 match tour. On the other hand, the Irish bowlers might have been secretly gladdened by the downpour which afforded them some respite from Karen Le Comberet al.

Having been comfortably beaten both on Thursday and Friday, the Irish had a promising start yesterday. Skipper Miriam Grealey inserted the tourists and her new ball pair of Judith Herbison and Barbara McDonald both availed of the helpful conditions.

Herbison struck the first blow when she removed Shelley Fruin in the fifth over and then almost immediately after the first stoppage for rain, Debbie Hockley chased a wide ball off the same bowler.

The Irish dominance faded quickly. Le Comber and Emily Drumm were soon into their stride, Le Comber completing her third score in excess of 50 in as many games.