Ireland out to add to Sri Lankan woes

CRICKET:THE BAD weather that wreaked havoc at the Scottish Open in Inverness over the weekend is the only real worry for Ireland coach Phil Simmons as he prepares his side for a meeting with World Cup finalists Sri Lanka in Edinburgh today (10.45).

The Scottish capital got its fair share of rain as well and the Grange ground which hosts the Tri-Nations tournament, that also involves the hosts, will be tested over the coming days.

The good news for Simmons is that his side are at full strength with his opening bowling attack of Boyd Rankin and Trent Johnston having recovered from the niggles they picked up in the 2-0 series win over Namibia in Belfast last week last week.

The Irish squad have been in Edinburgh since Friday to prepare and will be hopeful that Sri Lanka are feeling the effects of losing the one-day series 3-2 following their 16-run defeat to England at Old Trafford on Saturday as they wrap up their two-month tour.

Johnston is likely to take the place of Nigel Jones as the only change from the side that beat Namibia by eight wickets on Tuesday.

Ireland play Scotland in their second game of the tournament tomorrow.

Meanwhile, John Anderson put in a fine all-round display as Merrion claimed a place in the final of the LHW Leinster Senior Cup with an impressive 125-run defeat of Clontarf at Anglesea Road on Saturday.

The South African-born player, who is now eligible to play for Ireland, scored 101 in the home side’s total of 294 for eight, before taking three wickets for 24 as last year’s beaten finalists Clontarf were bowled out for 169.

Merrion, searching for their first win in the competition since 1960, will face North County in the decider at Malahide on Saturday July 23rd after they were every bit as impressive in their semi-final clash, beating Fingal rivals Rush by a massive 183 runs at Kenure.