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CHRIS DOUGHERTY scored a brilliant century as Ireland A won the opening game of their Sri Lankan tour with a thoroughly comprehensive 132 run win against a Sri Lankan Police XI in Colombo.
CHRIS DOUGHERTY scored a brilliant century as Ireland A won the opening game of their Sri Lankan tour with a thoroughly comprehensive 132 run win against a Sri Lankan Police XI in Colombo.

Dougherty struck 12 fours and a six in his 102 which helped Ireland post a healthy 274 for 4 in their 50 overs.

He shared an opening stand of 72 with Middlesex’s Andrew Balbirnie (29), before the latter was caught and bowled by Abernathna. James Shannon made 19 before being trapped lbw by Jayawardena, having added a further 55 with Dougherty.

Skipper Andrew Poynter impressed with a brisk 68 from just 65 balls (9 fours), as he and Dougherty rotated the strike, while also scoring boundaries at regular intervals.

The pair had added 89 for the 3rd wicket taking the score to 216, before Dougherty perished shortly after reaching his hundred.

Andy McBrine (21*) and Stuart Thompson (18*) were both unbeaten in a very professional Ireland batting display.

Abernatha (1-24) and Jayawardena (1-30) were the pick of the Police attack, although Diyantha (2-68) had the most success.

In reply, the Police side were never in the hunt chasing the total, managing 142 all out in 45 overs.

Phil Eaglestone (1-7) and Stuart Thompson (1-15) secured early breakthroughs, while change bowlers Eddie Richardson (1-25) and left-arm spinner James Cameron-Dow (1-32) kept the pressure on the beleaguered hosts.

Donemana all-rounder Andy McBrine (4-31) was the most successful of the attack, while Pembroke’s Barry McCarthy (1-14) also impressed as six of the seven Irish bowlers used got amongst the wickets.

Mahesh (28*) and Dyas (26) did offer some late resistance with a 9th wicket partnership of 61, but McBrine had Dyas caught behind by Stuart Poynter, and then trapped last man Diyantha first ball to seal the win.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons was pleased at the winning start saying: “It was a good work out for the guys, and they all took advantage of their chance to spend time in the middle. I thought Chris Dougherty batted well. He has a good temperament and plays the short ball particularly strongly. Andrew Poynter also struck the cleanly and showed his experience.

“The bowlers all got overs under their belts, and the game couldn’t have went much better for us despite that stubborn stand near the end. Andy McBrine has done exceptionally well taking those four wickets, while James Cameron-Dow also showed his quality. The players all know there are tour and World Cup places available, and they’ve been putting in the hard yards in training while we’ve been here this past ten days. It’s good that there is strong competition for squad places, as it shows that there’s not only quality but also depth in Irish cricket.”

Ireland A are back in action tomorrow (SUN) when they take on Kalutara Town in another 50 over contest, before the tour finishes on Tuesday with two Twenty20 matches.

To see the scorecard in full please click here.

Chris Dougherty made 102.

Cricket Ireland
Ireland A have been in training camp since the 2nd of January
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