After a disappointing performance against Bangladesh, where they lost by 5 wickets; Ireland travelled to the picturesque island of Tobago to play an America’s Development XI to decide 5th & 6th places in the Clico International U-15 cricket championships.

Winning the toss, Americas Captain Nitish Kumar had no hesitation in batting first on a slow wicket at Shaw Park in Scarborough, Tobago. Ireland were forced into a bowling change prior to the start as established opening bowler Shane Getkate was unable to bowl due to an ankle injury, however he would retain his slot at no.4 in the batting line up.

Graeme McCarter seized his opportunity and impressed with the new ball getting an early break through in bowling the Americas leading run scorer Abhijit Joshi for 8. Joshi was soon followed by fellow opener and captain Nitish Kumar with the score on 47 in the 15th over. Kumar holed out to Mathew Gillespie at long on off the bowling of Jonathon Andrews in his first over.

The Americas team lost steady wickets to the quartet of Irish spinners (Andrews, Dockrell, Wylie and Van der Merwe) and have only Steven Taylor and Joshua Gilbert to thank for reaching 138. Taylor scored a swashbuckling 60 of 69 balls but the left hander lived a charmed existence as Ireland failed to take several opportunities to dismiss him non more costly than when he was dropped behind when only on 4 off the bowling of McCarter.

George Dockrell again impressed with the ball with his 10 over spell going for just 29 runs, picking up 1 wicket and Jonathon Andrews 10 over spell going for 46 runs, picking up 3 wickets. Ben Wylie and Jason Van der Merwe both bowled exceptionally well together in polishing off the tail, sharing the remaining 5 wickets.

In reply Ireland got off to a very shaky start loosing both openers to loose shots in a tricky 7 over period before lunch. After the lunch break Ireland continued to stutter as they stumbled to 77 for 6 with the top 5 all back in the hutch. Pembroke’s Barry McCarthy was joined by Jonathon Andrews of North County and the pair put together a match winning partnership of 52 runs with McCarthy to the fore and he was particularly dismissive of anything short. With the finish line in sight and the score on 129 for 6 Andrews (16) lost his leg stump and was soon followed back to the pavilion by Matthew Gillespie as Ireland stumbled again. McCarthy though showed great composure and nerve to steer his side home without further incident.

Ireland were unimpressive in victory and credit must go to the America’s team who were punching above there weight in this competition for maximising their resources to there full potential. In the end Ireland creaked home by 2 wickets in this rather dull affair and were grateful to the America’s bowling 44 extras.

Barry McCarthy was the stand out player and richly deserved his man of the match award for his excellent 44*. Congratulations to him for making the most of the opportunity he was given when other failed.