Cricket - Irish trounce Uganda

Ireland’s dream of qualifying for their first World Cup moved a step closer to becoming a reality when they defeated Uganda at a blustery Conber.

Middlesex batsman Ed Joyce, who now qualifies to play international cricket for England, made a rapid 40 in their 231 for seven, before Uganda were bowled out for 104.

As in their opening game against Bermuda, Ireland – looking to qualify for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies – lost openers Jeremy Bray and Jason Molins cheaply.

Molins was dismissed for 19but could at least celebrate reaching 2,000 career runs for Ireland.

Kenneth Kamyuka took his wicket and three others, finishing with a haul of four for the second successive day.

Joyce once again showed the qualities which have made him a star in the County Championship until his 43-ball innings was abruptly ended, bowled by Uganda captain Joe Olwenyi.

Andrew White smashed two sixes, both of which ended in a neighbouring housing estate and was eventually caught and bowled for 45 by Kamyuka.

Despite losing some late wickets, Ireland were still able to post a sizeable target, and it proved daunting for their opponents.

Ireland took just 32 overs to bowl out the Ugandans, who would not have reached three figures without the excellent innings of 59 by Frank Nsuguba, who scored his runs off just 56 deliveries and hit three fours and five sixes.

Two of those sixes came off successive Kyle McCallan deliveries, before McCallan took revenge and wrapped up the win.

Nsuguba was beatn to the man-of-the-match award by Ireland’s Paul Mooney who took three wickets for just 10 runs from his 10 overs.