North Down – It was all to play for. 151 runs required to win for West Indies Academy, and four wickets needed for Emerging Ireland.
Both Nyeem Young and Teddy Bishop built a formidable partnership of 69 to cut down the runs required.
Emerging Ireland’s bowlers may have been getting nervous but they remained calm in the knowledge that one could well bring two and more.
Overall there was a sense that the match could be over quickly with requirements for both teams, but also with the threat of a washed out afternoon.
And finish it did, with the dismissal of Bishop by Gavin Hoey, regular wickets soon began to fall again with Emerging Ireland able to wrap the match before lunch.
DAY THREE REPORT West Indies Academy immediately attacked, getting something extra from the surface and leaving Emerging Ireland 89 for 4.
Cade Carmichael took a blow to the head from a short-pitched delivery and after passing the HIA test bravely weathered the storm; eventually falling for 92.
The visitors were now set 344 to win which could have been much more if it hadn’t been for that earlier remarkable burst with the ball.
With West Indies Academy150-0 and Kadeem Alleyne in particular scoring quickly, Emerging Ireland needed wickets.
Liam McCarthy on request removed Ackeem Auguste – hit wicket. Gavin Hoey provided support from the other end and suddenly wickets began to fall with regularity.
West Indies Academy finished the day at 193-6 with 151 runs still needed, Emerging Ireland requiring just four wickets with a dramatic Day Four finish potentially on the cards.
DAY TWO REPORT: Day Two began with Emerging Ireland’s pairing of Morgan Topping and Tom Mayes continuing their fightback from the end of the previous day.
The partnership of 71 did much to thwart the West Academy side bowlers and build something resembling a strong first innings total that could potentially set the game.
However the visitors still chipped away to have keep the total to 283 for 9. The home side were effectively bowled out with Matt Humphreys absent having a finger injury checked.
West Indies Academy scored quickly with the bat which offered up chances to Emerging Ireland that the home side were very happy to accept.
Humphreys, now cleared to return, took two including the final wicket to leave Nyeem Young 48 not out. But it was Tom Mayes (4-61) and Liam McCarthy (3-62) who caused most trouble.
Coming back out to bat, Emerging Ireland finished play 65 for 2 with a lead of 134 to set up a potentially fascinating Day Three at North Down.
DAY ONE REPORT: Now with red ball in hand and moisture around, it wasn’t surprising that West Indies Academy elected to bowl to best make use of Irish conditions.
Two early wickets vindicated this decision with Emerging Ireland finding themselves 31 for 2. But debutant Chris De Freitas, along with captain Stephen Doheny and then Cade Carmichael, was able to find a way to fight it out.
Both teams had a moment of silence to honour John Wills (1938-2024) who had passed away the day before. John had coached with Ireland Men, Ireland Women and with The Hills where he was very successful.
West Indies Academy made vital breakthroughs in the last session that inched them just ahead but the home side continued to fight to stay in the contest.
Emerging Ireland finished the day on 219 for 6 and will hope to be able to build on this for Day Two.
