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Andrew McBrine was denied a half century when Queensland XI declared on 240-9 on the second day of the friendly between the Ireland and the Australian state side, with the game finishing in a draw after two sessions of today’s Australia Day action.
FINAL SCORECARD – CLICK HERE

McBrine was playing for the Queensland side, along with George Dockrell to ensure everyone in Ireland’s squad got game time in Brisbane before travelling to Townsville to face Papua New Guinea in the third round of the ICC Inter Continental Cup, although Kevin O’Brien did not bat or bowl in the match due to some stiffness in his back. James Hopes and Michael Neser joined the already strong Queensland side for the second day of the match as they continued their Sheffield Shield preparations.

After closing the first day just 18 runs behind Ireland’s 155 and with five wickets still in hand, Simon Melinko, who had been 21 not out overnight, was joined at the crease by McBrine, and the pair set about building a lead for Queensland, hitting 10 boundaries between them in a 67-run partnership.

After the first drinks break Ireland’s bowlers regrouped, Paul Stirling bowling Melinko for 62 to trigger a spell of dominance from Ireland. Craig Young picked up his third wicket when he dismissed Tom Healy before he could get off the mark, George Dockrell the next to fall, again without scoring, with Stirling accounting for his teammate as he also picked up his third wicket thanks to a good catch from Andrew Balbirnie.

Balbirnie was in on the act again shortly after, taking a low catch at short mid-wicket as Stuart Thompson (2-47) picked up the ninth wicket in the last over before lunch.

With a lead of 85, Queensland informed Ireland they would not be resuming their innings after lunch, leaving McBrine, who had batted the whole session, stranded one short of his half century. The sides also agreed that there would not be a third session with both teams concerned about workloads in the humid conditions as well a rain lingering in the air.

Ed Joyce chose not to bat at his regular number three position in the second innings, spending time in the nets instead, so when Paul Stirling (0) fell early, Niall O’Brien joined William Porterfield at the crease, the pair forging a 55-run partnership before they both retired at the first drinks break, Porterfield on 27 and O’Brien on 24.

That started something of a collapse for Ireland as Stuart Poynter (0) and Gary Wilson (16) both came and went, with Balbirnie (9), Stuart Thompson (0) bringing Joyce to the crease with little over 15 minutes left in the day. When Joyce (0) was run out trying to take a quick single the captains shook hands to bring an end to play just short of tea with Ireland 82-6.

With both sides at different stages of preparation for competitive action, the result was never a factor for either team, but more emphasis put on ensuring bowlers in particular managed their loadings and got some miles in the legs.

Ireland will travel to North Queensland tomorrow where they will spend the remainder of the Australian leg of the tour, facing Papua New Guinea in an Inter-Continental Cup fixture before three T20 matches, all at Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville.

Ireland XI v Queensland XI at Brisbane Grammar School Final Scorecard – Click Here

Ireland XI 155 all out (Joyce 35, N. O’Brien 26, Bazley 2-11, Granger 2-53) & 86-6 (Porterfield 27*, N. O’Brien 24*, Gannon 2-4)
Drew with
Queensland XI 240-9 dec (Melinko 62, Henry 50, Stirling 3-55, Young 3-68)

Yes
Connaught