Andy McBrine led from the front as Ireland A maintained their grip on the second day of their clash with Scotland A at Ayr.
The Warriors skipper claimed 5 for 71 as Scotland were bowled out for 287 in reply to Ireland’s 400 for 4.
Sean Terry didn’t get the opportunity to add to his record-breaking 251 as Ireland declared on their overnight score – mindful of a forecast which predicted heavy showers – which in the event never materialised.
Max Sorensen (2-49) got two early breakthroughs for the Irish, dismissing Michael English (28) and Scottish captain Craig Wallace (12). James McCollum then ran out Owais Shah (11) to put Ireland very much in the ascendancy with Scotland reeling on 56 for 3.
The hosts fought back with a 4th wicket partnership of 105 in 158 balls between Kiwi Tom Bruce and Safyaan Sharif to leave matters evenly balanced.
The run out of Bruce by Tyrone Kane gave the Irish a much needed boost as he had looked very dangerous indeed, striking 11 boundaries and clearing the ropes once in his 70 from 81 balls.
Sharif (55) added a further 50 with Mark Watt (45) before being caught at slip by Max Sorensen off Yaqoob Ali (1-61).
It was then all about McBrine who took the last five wickets as Scotland battled to avoid the follow-on, which they managed thanks to some lusty late-order blows from Ali Evans (34).
Ireland extended their 113 run lead to 245 in the 29 overs that remained, thanks primarily to James Shannon’s whirlwind 63 from 39 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes). They had lost two early wickets – Jack Tector (10) and as so often happens in these cases, Sean Terry for just 4. James McCollum also impressed with a steady 42 not out, proving the perfect foil for Shannon’s pyrotechnics.
Ireland will be looking for quick runs on the final morning in an attempt to set Scotland a tempting target of around 350.
IRELAND A v SCOTLAND A
At Ayr, Day 2 close
IRELAND A 400/4 dec (S Terry 251*, A McBrine 67) and 132/3 (29 overs, J Shannon 63, J McCollum 42*)
SCOTLAND A 287 all out (80.1 overs, T Bruce 70, S Sharif 55, M Watt 45, A Evans 34, A McBrine 5-71, M Sorensen 2-49)
Play continues Wednesday at 11am
Yes
Connaught
