World Cup hangover as Ireland lose match and Botha at Taunton

THE World Cup hangover continued for Ireland yesterday with a second heavy defeat in the Friends Provident Trophy, at Taunton, and the loss of Andre Botha for at least two weeks with a dislocated finger.

Justin Langer’s workmanlike 132 steered Somerset to 341 for eight and a 128-run victory that would have been more emphatic but for a half-century by wicketkeeper Gary Wilson, when the game was all but over.

Australian Test star Langer hit 16 fours in an innings that lasted 140 balls and was given fine support by compatriot Cameron White, who blasted three sixes in a run-a-ball 65.