Ireland went into round 2 of the Clico International U-15 cricket championships in buoyant mood after their convincing 7 wicket victory over Kenya. However, the West Indies in their own back yard would be a much stiffer challenge.

This was the first clash at this age level between Ireland and the West Indies and there is not better setting than at the Queens Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Winning the toss, West Indies Captain Stephen Katwaroo had no hesitation batting first on to bat on a wicket that looked full of runs. Opening bowler Eoghan Conway got an early break through dismissing John Campbell for 4, Campbell had scored a century against Bangladesh the previous day.

This brought about 2 well constructed partnerships built around opening bat Kraigg Brathwaite. Firstly Brathwaite and Roman Senior put on 67 before Senior was caught by Hugh MacDonnell off the bowling of Jonathon Andrews. Then Brathwaite and Sunil Ambris put on 75 before Ambris (40) holed out at long on off the bowling Jason van der Merwe.

At 144 for 2 with 15 overs remaining and wickets in the bank the West Indies would have been looking for a target somewhere around 275 but credit to the Irish bowlers and fielders who stuck to their task manfully in a very disciplined display only conceding 13 extras in restricting the West Indies to 220 for 5 off their allotted 50 overs.

Again the Irish spinners bowling in the middle overs tied things down with George Dockrell’s 10 over spell going for just 33 runs and Jonathon Andrews 10 over spell going for 40 runs. Special mention too for Jason van der Merwe who came on at the death when the Windies were pressing for runs to bowl his off spin as he picked up 2 wickets for 36 runs from his 7 overs inside the last 15.

Shane Getkate also came back on to immediate effect picking up the prized wicket of Kraigg Brathwaite when he was caught behind to a very good low catch by keeper Simon Olphert. Brathwaite made a patient, well constructed, chanceless 98 of 144 balls never once hitting the ball in the air and looks to be one for the future.

In reply Ireland got off to a slow start reaching 26 without loss off the first 10 overs. They were tied down by some very good, quick bowling from Kyle Mayers and Rico Depeiza. Immediately after the first drinks break Depeiza had Wylie (9) caught at first slip fishing at a ball outside his off stump. He was quickly followed by MacDonnell (13) who was bowled by off spinner Roman Senior.

The introduction of Senior and fellow spinner Derone Davis (4/29) ripped through the Irish middle order with only Shane Getkate (20) and George Dockrell (13) putting up any resistance. A quick fire, entertaining cameo of 20* from Graeme McCarter at the end couldn’t mask the fact that the Irish batting just wasn’t good enough.

Kraigg Brathwaite was named man of the match for his 98. The Ireland team now face the Bangladesh in a semi final decider at National Cricket Centre in Couva on Tuesday the 29th.