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The two-day match between Ulster Schools XI and Southern Schools XI ended in a draw yesterday.
Ulster Schools XI travelled south to take on a Southern Schools XI at Observatory Lane over the past two days in a match that would also act as a tool for selectors to choose the Irish School’s team, and there was plenty for them to be impressed by.
The two-innings match was played in Leinster Cricket Club and ended in a draw, but Ulster Schools might have felt like they might have won the match had it gone on for a third day.

The Northern side batted first and were all-out for 174. Peter Eakin top-scored with 41 after Aaron Johnston and James McCollum were dismissed for ducks one after another. Eakin shared a partnership of 83 with opener Jay Hunter (35) who was next highest scorer followed by number five Aaron Gillespie (24) and number six Patrick Park (22).

The wickets were shared around the Southern side with Gareth Delany accounting for two dismissals, one the prize wicket of Eakin. There were two more each for Adam Craig and Jack Balbirnie and three in just 3.1 overs for Kirk Shimmins.

Southern Schools made 150-8 declared in return. Jack Balbirnie top-scored and was denied his half century by one run when Aaron Gillespie ran him out on 49. Lee Cole and Jack Tector were next top-scorers, each with 19.

On the bowling side for the Ulster Schools team Mark Adair impressed with four wickets opening the bowling, while Peter Eakin showed he’s no slouch with the ball by taking two wickets.

Eakin made no mistake the second time he got the chance to bat and finished with just over a century to his name (101), leading the Northern side to 192-5 declared. Jay Hunter (33), Jamie Millar (25) and Patrick Park (24) batted with Eakin to set a target of 216 for the Southern team.

It was a target they were unlikely to reach with too little time left in day two, but Kirk Shimmins showed he has the wherewithal to bat patiently with a well-measured 50*. Jack Tector (15) was the only other Southern player to make double figures before the second day’s play was called to a halt and the match drawn.

For all the scores and much more, click here. The Irish School’s team has been selected and is as follows:

Irish Schools v’s Ireland U’19’s – Osbourne Park, July 1st

1. Mark Adair (Sullivan Upper School)
2. Jack Balbirnie (St Andrew’s College)
3. Rishi Chopra (Coleraine Academical Institution)
4. Lee Cole (St Andrew’s College) wicket keeper
5. Adam Craig (CUS)
6. Peter Eakin (Regent House)
7. Andrew Forbes (Belfast Royal Academy)
8. Aaron Gillespie (Holy Cross, Strabane)
9. Benn Hoey (St Mary’s College)
10. Jay Hunter (Ballyclare High School)
11. Kirk Shimmins (Wesley College)
12. Jack Tector (Sandford Park)

The Ireland Under 19’s Side has also been selected.

Ireland Under 19’s

Rory Anders (Phoenix)
Thomas Anders (Phoenix)
David Barr (Bready)
Scott Campbell (Coleraine)
Peter Chase (Malahide)
Tyrone Kane (Merrion)
James McCollum (Lurgan)
Jordan McClurkin (Instonians)
Gary McClintock (Donemana)
Robert McKinley (Ballymena)
Cormac McLoughlin (The Hills)
Chris McMorran (CSNI)
Alistair Shields (North Down)

Cricket Ireland
Peter Eakin pictured with Murray Power
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