News

North County all-rounder John Mooney will captain the Ireland A side which takes on Durham II’s in a three day game which gets under way at Darlington tomorrow (11am).

The Ireland A side that will take on Durham 2nd XI this week has been finalised and will travel across to Darlington today.
North County all-rounder John Mooney will captain the Ireland A side which takes on Durham II’s in a three day game which gets under way at Darlington tomorrow (11am).

Mooney takes over from Instonians batsman James Shannon who has a shoulder injury.

The 30 year old has 134 senior appearances to his name, but is still excited to be in charge and is looking forward to the challenge of captaincy: “It’s always a great honour to captain your country, and I’ve had some success in various European tournaments over the years. This team looks pretty experienced with seven full internationals, although there are one or two new faces as well. I love the three day game as it gives everyone a real opportunity to bat for long periods and bowl decent spells. As a captain too it gives you the chance to experiment with field settings and try out new ideas.”

North Down teenager Peter Eakin is named in the 12, while Stuart Poynter is recalled behind the stumps.

Coach Phil Simmons underlines the importance of the game saying; “With South Africa A touring here next month and the final ICC World Twenty20 squad still to be finalised it’s a great chance for these players to show me just what they’re capable of. The expanded A team schedule means there are now more opportunitues than ever before.”

Ireland A
John Mooney (capt)
Ben Ackland
John Anderson
Andrew Britton
Chris Dougherty
Peter Eakin
Phil Eaglestone
Andrew Poynter
Stuart Poynter
Johnny Thompson
Stuart Thompson
Albert van der Merwe

Coach: Phil Simmons
Manager: Gavin Craig

Ireland A v Durham 2nd XI 24th July – 26th July, Darlington

Cricket Ireland
No