THERE was not even the hint of an Irish recovery never mind an upset, at Ormeau yesterday as Sussex beat Ireland by 304 runs, the second biggest defeat in the 34 year old history of the NatWest trophy.
Sussex plundered another 61 runs in the five overs carried over from Tuesday's premature finish to total 384 for 9. Mark Patterson was, with self preservation in mind, taken off with one of his 12 overs unbowled. Another dozen would have taken his runs conceded into three figures.
Ireland needed a good start but for the third successive match against county opponents they lost a wicket in the first over. Again it was Justin Benson, caught at slip off Paul Jarvis, who also dismissed Andy Patterson and Angus Dunlop in the space of four balls in his third over.
DecIan Moore struggled to cope with the vast gulf in class and joined the Irish procession as the innings was reduced to 56 for 8.
A ninth wicket stand between opening bowlers Ryan Eagleson and Mark Patterson enabled Ireland to pass their previous lowest score in a home game in the cup
71 against Sussex at Downpatrick but the game was over by lunch after 33.3 overs.
When the ninth wicket fell on the stroke of the intended break, the umpires waved on Paul McCrum so that the agony would, not be prolonged It wasn't cricket but they were proven right. McCrum lasted only six deliveries.
