O’Brien’s century inspires Ireland

NIALL O’BRIEN announced himself on the international stage in majestic style yesterday as Ireland completed a record run chase at the Mardyke.

Set 295 in what proved to be 74 overs, Ireland reached their target with a comfortable 26 balls and five wickets to spare with the 20-year-old Railway Union wicket keeper scoring 111 in only his sixth appearance for his country.

His form this season could be Ireland’s loss however. This was his fourth century and on Monday he heads to Bristol where he has a week’s trial with Gloucestershire. If he reproduces anything like this the county will want to see much more.

This however, was by no means a one man innings. O’Brien may have laid the foundations for the victory charge with his speed of runs but he received excellent support from Andrew White.

The North Down all-rounder scored 76 from 102 balls and shared an opening stand of 182. After that Ireland was coasting and despite the loss of three further wickets it was two more of the inexperienced members of the Ireland side who completed the job.

John Mooney and David Kennedy knocked off the final 43 runs in just eight overs. Mooney was unbeaten on 28 and Kennedy, on his debut, hit two boundaries in his 13.

There’s tremendous competition for places in this Ireland batting line-up and with Jeremy Bray of Phoenix making his Ireland debut against Berkshire in the Cheltenham and Gloucester (C&G) Trophy game on Thursday week, the two batsmen at the crease when the winning runs were scored yesterday could have a long wait for their next cap.

Meanwhile, the English Cricket Board (ECB) Under 17 side declared at 300 for 8 on the first day of their two-day match against Ireland U-17 at Oakham College in Leicestershire yesterday. At close of play Ireland were 51 for 2, with Gary Wilson on 26.

At Oakham College: ECB U-17 300 for 8, declared (N Swetman 101, T Thompson 2 for 28, K O’Brien 2 for 50), Ireland U-18 51 for 2 (G Wilson 26).

IRELAND (squad): J Molins (Banstead, capt.), C Armstrong (North County), J Bray (Phoenix), P Gillespie (Strabane), D Heasley (Glendermott), D Joyce (Merrion/ Dublin University), K McCallan (Cliftonville), A McCoubrey (Ballymena), P Mooney (North County), G Neely (Glendermott), N O’Brien (Railway Union), A White (North Down).