Defeat was hardly unexpected but the manner of Ireland's capitulation proved disappointing as they limped to a 133-run defeat by Leicestershire in yesterday's NatWest Trophy third round clash at Castle Avenue.
There was a palpable lack of ambition in Ireland's batting even allowing for an attack spearheaded by England fast bowler Alan Mullally and Australian Test player Michael Kasprowicz. Too many Irish batsmen appeared to overly cherish their wicket, defending resolutely but offering very few strokes.
In one day cricket this is futile, all the more so when one considers that reigning county champions Leicestershire had hammered a total of 288 in 49.5 overs. It would have taken a herculean effort for the home side to get within 40 runs of that figure, although they never tried with any conviction, inhibited to the point of inducing an afternoon nap for the 300 or so spectators in the warm afternoon sunshine.
Brigade's Stephen Smyth (29) and South African Gerald Dros (23) played with some conviction and drive but once they departed, the run-rate reverted to a trickle. At one stage in 9.2 overs, between the 27th and 37th with Ed Joyce and captain Angus Dunlop at the wicket, Ireland managed a paltry 14 runs, four of which came from byes.
Joyce finally shook off the lethargy, hitting three fours in an unbeaten 39, but had run out of partners by the 49th over. Mullally inflicted the damage, initially taking two wickets for 15 runs off seven overs. Aftab Habib then grabbed a brace in four balls to finish Ireland off.
In contrast to their batting, Ireland bowled with determination and no little success. On only four previous occasions have they managed to bowl out a county side in a limited overs match and yesterday Leicestershire became the fifth. Ryan Eagleson deserves special mention taking four wickets, albeit a tad costly at 59 runs.
The ageless Matt Dwyer took a couple of wickets, as did Paul Mooney. Only Darren Maddy and wicket-keeper Paul Nixon mastered the Irish attack. Maddy, voted man of the match, scored a fine 89 off 99 balls, while Nixon accelerated the run-rate with a quick fire 51 from 42 balls.
