Ireland effectively self-destructed when victory in this Triple Crown match against Scotland was well within their grasp at the West Bromwich Dartmouth club yesterday. But first, the good news: Ed Joyce of Merrion, winning his first cap, alongside Pembroke's John Davy, hit a masterly half-century in his debut international and deservedly won the Man of the Match award - a fine feat for a young man who will not celebrate his 19th birthday until September.
Youthful, yes; but Joyce played with a maturity singularly lacking in some of his far more experienced team-mates. Ireland were chasing an attainable 219 to win, but a combination of unforced errors, poor shots and poor running between the wickets meant that they failed to equal Scotland's total by a tantalising 19 runs. The hex the Scots put on the Irish in Kuala Lumpur last April was repeated, and the odds on Ireland retaining their trophy have lengthened dramatically.
Justin Benson won the toss but somewhat surprisingly decided to put Scotland in. Ireland made an early breakthrough when the doughty Paul McCrum trapped Iain Philip leg before with only nine runs on the board. Then, with the score on 35, he removed Mike Smith the same way before Bruce Patterson and George Salmond put on 122 for the third wicket, until Greg Molins broke the partnership.
Salmond, the match's top scorer, made 69, off 100 balls, hitting nine fours. Patterson scored a fine 68, off 104 balls, hitting six fours and one six. The innings closed at 218 for 6.
McCrum by some way was Ireland's best bowler. His two for 12 off the regulation 10 overs was a fine performance of control, hostility, accuracy and aggression - he is a role model for any aspiring young opening bowler. Davy had the satisfaction of taking a wicket in his first international. By contrast, Ryan Eagleson had a morning he'd want to forget, conceding 40 off seven overs, 17 of them in a nightmare final six deliveries.
Ireland started their innings steadily enough, but soon lost Andy Patterson with 23 runs on the board; another 12 and Alan Lewis had joined him in the clubhouse, thanks to a stupid run-out. Hopes were raised somewhat when Justin Benson eventually joined Joyce and smashed two fours and one six. Joyce reached his 50 off 75 balls, hitting six boundaries, and hardly made a poor stroke in an innings of courage and style. Surely, a lot more will be heard of this young man.
But after he departed in the 38th over, we were into damage limitation exercise time. All credit to Greg Molins and McCrum for gamely carrying their bats and ensuring that the team was not bowled out, but really losing this one was a sickener.
England, meanwhile, were demolishing Wales to win by seven wickets. Ireland's match against them, at Stourbridge today, will be a real test of character.
