Porterfield and Joyce inspire Ireland

IRELAND made it three wins out of three Intercontinental Cup matches with a 133-run win over Canada at Clontarf yesterday.

A second-wicket partnership of 119 between Ed Joyce (88) and captain Will Porterfield (67) laid the foundations for Ireland, who went on to score 328 for six with some big hitting from Gary Wilson (56 not out off 36 balls) and Kevin O’Brien (35 off 15).

John Mooney then shone with the ball, taking four for 27 in 8.4 overs, as Canada were skittled for 195. Usman Limbada top-scored with 50, but ate up 81 balls in the process.

Ireland sit top of the Intercontinental Cup table and face the same opposition, who are yet to register a point in three matches, at the same venue today (10.30am).

The top two sides in the eight-team one-day league competition qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

In Colombo, Phil Hughes hit an unbeaten 122 to guide Australia into a position of strength on day four of the third Test against Sri Lanka.

The home side, needing a win to level the series at 1-1, required quick wickets having claimed a 157-run first innings lead but found them hard to come by with Hughes in particular standing firm.

The New South Welshman came into the Test under pressure having scored just 76 runs in the first two matches.

His efforts yesterday, however, enabled Australia to close day four on 209 for three — a lead of 52.

Earlier, Angelo Mathews completed a maiden Test hundred as Sri Lanka closed their innings on 473 all out.

England’s newest recruit Jonny Bairstow was yesterday named the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Cricketer of the Year for 2011. Bairstow, 21, received the prestigious award at the club’s 65th anniversary lunch at Lord’s, just three days after his scintillating England debut against India in Cardiff.

The Yorkshire batsman’s late father, David, also represented his country.