Rain frustrated the aspirations of Ireland's national cricket team as they faced up to Australia A at Castle Avenue yesterday. The start was delayed until 2.00 p m when a 40-over match began, as Michael Di Venuto won the toss and put Ireland into bat.

The rain came in the 12th over, when Ireland were 73 for 2, with Stephen Smyth (30) and Steve Waugh together. Earlier, Smyth had signified Ireland's determination and intent by clattering five successive boundaries off one over from Andrew Bichel.

When play resumed, the match was reduced to 25 overs, and off the 13-plus remaining, Ireland reached 168 for 7, with Waugh top-scoring on 67, off 47 balls, and including three sixes and five boundaries. Then the deluge came and the match had to be abandoned.

The Leprechaun are celebrating its 50th birthday this season. As part of the celebrations they take on the Free Forresters in College Green today (2.00).