Ireland win despite missing Morgan

IT WAS a tale of two county players at Clontarf yesterday as Eoin Morgan failed to show for Ireland while fellow professional Niall O’Brien eased his side to a seven-wicket victory over Holland in the European Championship.

Morgan has thrown Irish plans into confusion by pulling out of the tournament with a knee injury and only making himself available for the first two days of the Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers in Belfast that start on Saturday.

The 21-year-old’s apparent decision to play for Middlesex in a Pro40 game next Monday has baffled national coach Phil Simmons. He said: “We thought everything was arranged and this change is really surprising.

“Eoin has offered his services on Saturday and Sunday but for me it’s not acceptable for him just to play two days. We have to agree between the four Irish selectors but my position is that if he isn’t available for all the matches, he doesn’t play in any of them.

“I would have thought he knows how important this is to Ireland and I’m very surprised that he is choosing a Pro40 game ahead of the qualifiers. If it was a big final, or something, that would be different because that’s an honour for you and your county.”

Morgan was not missed as the O’Brien brothers took centre stage at Castle Avenue. First Kevin helped send the Dutch crashing to 46 for five with a fine opening spell that produced three wickets, then Northants’ wicketkeeper Niall steered Ireland home with 58 not out.

The victory was achieved with 21 overs to spare and keeps Ireland on top of the European table alongside Scotland who also have three wins from three after dismissing Norway for 43 at Rathmines. Holland, the third favourites for the tournament who may now finish as low as fifth if they don’t beat Denmark on Thursday, did rally to each 142 but Simmons was much happier with a fielding display that featured a superb flying catch by Wiliam Porterfield and two run outs.

Porterfield and fellow opener Gary Wilson fell early in the reply but with Andre Botha joining the older O’Brien in a partnership of 89 for the third wicket the result was never in doubt.

Result: Holland 142 (47.1 overs) (K O’ Brien 3-30) lost to Ireland 143-3 (29 overs) (N O’Brien 58no, A Botha 38) by seven wickets

Schedule: Ireland v Italy, Malahide; Thursday: Ireland v Scotland, Clontarf.