Ireland A completed an emphatic ten-wicket win over MCC at Bready shortly before lunch on the third and final day.
Eglinton all-rounder Stuart Thompson’s six-wicket haul saw MCC dismissed for 120 in their second innings – having been 6 for 5 at one stage. Tyrone Kane (2-17) and Peter Chase 2-28 were the other successful bowlers in a superb bowling display.
Debutant Jack Tector’s brilliant unbeaten 131 on day two had set up the win as the 19 year-old batted with great assurance as Ireland made 297-7 before skipper Andy McBrine declared – satisfied with a lead of 117.
“We are delighted to get the win,” said Tector afterwards. “It certainly was a brilliant team performance and a great effort from the bowlers to take the 20 wickets so quickly.
“From a personal front it’s obviously very pleasing to score runs on debut, and extra special to get a century. They bowled quite well but we built some good partnerships which took the game away from them.”
For Thompson – who took nine wickets in the match – it was a hostile display, thriving on the confidence shown in him by McBrine who gave him the new ball along with Peter Chase.
“I got quickly into a nice rhythm in both innings and asked the batsmen questions more frequently,” said the 23 year-old. “I enjoyed the responsibility of the new ball in what was a tricky 40 minutes before the end of play last night. We just clicked and there wasn’t going to be any way back for them after their top order collapse.”
Thompson was quick to pay tribute to centurion Jack Tector. “Jack batted with a great tempo throughout which allowed me and others to come in and play with a degree of freedom knowing he was in cruise control at the other end. It was a great team display from us, and we showed a professional, clinical attitude.”
Ireland A are in action again next month when they travel to Ayr to play their Scottish counterparts in a three-day game.
Ireland A v MCC
Bready, Day 3 close
MCC 1st inns 180 (D Cox 52, C James 32*, S Thompson 3-28, P Chase 3-32, A McBrine 2-18)
Ireland A 1st inns 297-7 dec (J Tector 131*, A McBrine 47, S Thompson 40, T Kane 26)
MCC 2nd inns 120 all out (C Barrett 64, D Cox 31, S Thompson 6-37, T Kane 2-17, P Chase 2-28)
Ireland A 2nd inns 4-0.
IRELAND A WIN BY 10 WICKETS
Yes
Connaught
