Barry McCarthy had only played one previous game in the CLICO International Under-15 Cricket tournament, scoring just one run, but he emerged the batting hero as Ireland beat ICC Americas by 2 wickets to secure 5th place on Friday (May 2nd) at Shaw Park, Tobago.

McCarthy combined for a stand of 52 for the 7th wicket with Jonathan Andrews, who scored 16 runs, after ICC Americas seemed in control of the match with Ireland on 77 runs for 6 wickets. McCarty reached 44 runs not out when Ireland secured victory at 139 runs for 8 wickets with 3 overs to spare. Three Americas bowlers each took 2 wickets – Damali Bell (Bermuda), Dale Parker (Cayman Islands) and Steven Taylor (USA).

One deciding factor was the Americas side failed to bat out the full 50 overs. At 110 runs for 3 wickets a much better total than 138 all out (44.5 overs) should have been possible. Steven Taylor made 60 runs before being caught and bowled by Jonathan Andrews. Joshua Gilbert (Bermuda) made 27 runs. Two other batsmen, captain Nitish Kumar (Canada) and Sinclair Smith (Bermuda) made starts but each perished after making 14 runs. Andrews took 3 wickets for 46 runs from 10 overs and Ben Wylie took 3 wickets for just 10 runs as the latter batsmen struggled.

And in a tight match, the Americas giving away 24 wides and 5 no-balls presented 29 runs to Ireland, as well as extra balls off which to score. Ireland conceded 16 less runs in this manner, giving up 12 wides and a no-ball. It is amazing how many developmental matches can turn on what coaches will tell you are unnecessary extras.

Still, it has been good experience for the young players from the Americas, as well as for the other participating teams. Some have now played on some famous international grounds and have gained experience of inter-island travel in the Caribbean.

Bangladesh and Malaysia meet on Saturday in the play-off for 3rd and 4th places at the Queens ’ Park Oval, Port-of-Spain. On Sunday the young West Indies and Pakistan teams meet in the Final of the Group Competition. West Indies were favourites going into the CLICO International event, but Pakistan edged home in the Final of the Knock-Out Competition that began this celebration of international youth cricket.

The ICC Americas Development XI included players from Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands and the USA.