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The Ireland Wolves go into their 3-day match with Scotland A taking the positives from last week’s defeat to Gloucestershire’s 2nds. This is the second of three Wolves matches this month as they become more and more accustomed to multi-day cricket.
Despite the hosts chasing down a victory target of 213 thanks primarily to an unbeaten 86 from Alex Barrow, Wolves Head Coach Pete Johnston was keen to stay upbeat after three days of good cricket.

“I can’t fault the effort of the guys over the last few days of tough cricket and it was good to have all three results possible going into the last session on day 3, which is absolutely perfect in terms of developing players and learning,” said Johnston.

“Ultimately we were well beaten, but that came down to missed opportunities and critical moments on our part, mostly with the ball. We failed to capitalise with the new ball on three occasions. It was a difficult ground for our spinners with short boundaries straight, but the guys know they could have been more accurate and varied their pace more. That said, a lot of credit must also go to Alex Barrow who was extremely solid and organised with the bat for Gloucestershire.”

The outstanding Wolves performance came from Ireland’s newest international, Simi Singh. He hit a combined 194 not out over 2 innings. “I thought Simi Singh was exceptional the way he batted at a good tempo against spin and pace throughout and James McCollum battled hard in overcast conditions on the first morning to score 51 laying a platform for a good 1st innings total. It was a shame Simi ran out of partners so close to a second century of the match,” Johnston added.

Attention now turns to the visit of Scotland A to YMCA CC in Dublin. Johnston is hoping for an improved performance from the top order and the seam bowling attack.

“I expect all of our top order to perform better against Scotland and be hungry for big runs. While having spent three days trying to target the top of the stumps and use effective bouncers, I expect we will have improved in this regard come next week.

“The bowling group have set their own goal of building pressure, bowling maidens and effectively bowling a line and length that will bring all dismissals into play.”

Jack Tector assumed the mantle of captaincy following Andrew Balbirnie’s withdrawal through injury and admitted he found the experience challenging but enjoyable.

“It certainly was a testing experience, but one which I enjoyed. Having not played much multi-day cricket myself it was great to have guys like John Anderson and James Shannon to offer advice when needed.”

This week Balbirnie returns to captain the side and Tector will continue to open the batting on his home ground.

“It will be great to take on Scotland at my home ground. We played a good game against them over there last year, so hopefully this week will be the same and it is sure to be competitive cricket.”

First ball each morning is at 11am and entrance is free to all spectators.

Ireland Wolves v Scotland A, YMCA CC, Dublin, July 11th- Thursday 13th, 11am Start

Ireland Wolves Squad

Andrew Balbirnie (capt)
John Anderson
Peter Chase
David Delany
Ed Joyce
Jacob Mulder
James Shannon
Simi Singh
Nathan Smith
Jack Tector
Lorcan Tucker
Craig Young

Scotland ‘A’ Squad:

Craig Wallace (Capt)
Michael Jones
George Munsey
Chris Greaves
Michael English
Riyaad Henry
Mark Watt
Scott Cameron
Harris Aslam
Mitchell Rao
Cameron Shoebridge
Elliot Ruthven


Cricket Ireland
Simi Singh leaving the field after his unbeaten 107 versus Gloucestershire 2nds last week
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