The Irish Schools have just returned from their “flying visit” to London having enjoyed 2 excellent days cricket as the guests of the RAF at Uxbridge.
In Tuesday’s 50 over contest the RAF began at a great pace despite top class bowling by Graeme McCarter. Although Parton fell to McCarter and Ross Adair took a useful catch off Cameron Grieve to remove skipper Compton the home side had established a very sound platform. However they were contained by the spinners Grieve and Adam Coughlan and in the latter overs the seamers complemented this good work. Shane Getkate overcame an expensive first spell, McCarter maintained his high standards and both Stuart Thompson and Barry McCarthy commanded respect. Tim Adcock top scored before lofting a mighty skier to Thompson off Getkate while Jim Iago breezy 31 was terminated by McCarthy. A final total of 246 all out represented a very fine come back by the schools especially when the speed of the parched outfield is taken into account.
The Schools required a sound start but the accurate bowling of Turner and Iago prevented any semblance of momentum. At 45 for 5 after 19 overs the prospects looked bleak but Ben Wylie and McCarter added 57 before McCarter was bowled by Iago. Wylie fell to Magee’s leg spin soon after and at 142 for 9 after 40 overs respectability seemed a long way off. On the contrary Cameron Grieve found a willing ally in Jordan McClurkin who supplemented his sound display behind the stumps with resolute defence and good running. Grieve completed a very fine half century and the stand passed 50 before he was run out by a smart piece of fielding.
On the second day it had been arranged to play 2 T 20 games. In the first of these the RAF again had an excellent start being 50 for 1 after just 5 overs. Although Getkate bowled Adcock, Parton moved serenely on smashing 2 sixes and 8 fours in his undefeated 83. However tight bowling by Grieve (his 4 overs only yielding 20 runs), some top fielding and the failure of any other batsman to get going meant that the home side didn’t quite manage to double their 10 over score of 83. The Irish reply began with a fusillade of blows from Hugh McDonnell well supported by Tomas Murphy. Captain Stuart Thompson came in at number three to play a mature, impressive innings and he received top class support from Wylie and Getkate. Accordingly Ireland won by 6 wickets with 5 balls to spare just after Thompson completed his half century.
It had been agreed to reverse the team roles for the post lunch game so Ireland batted first. Adam Berry and Murphy got it to 31 in 5 overs but then 2 wickets fell. Murphy and McCarter added 56 in 7 overs then Thompson and Getkate 49 in 5 so a “near par” target of 158 was established. Once again Tim Adcock dominated the bowling though he did slow down as time went on. The spin bowling of Wylie and Grieve was excellent and the fielding almost without blemish. Getkate conceded a few wides but supplemented his 2 wickets with run outs from consecutive deliveries and with McCarthy and McCarter saw the visitors home by 5 runs.
The thanks of the Irish Schools must go to generous and welcoming hosts and to Mark Garaway, Jeremy Bray, Ray Daly and Chris Harte for looking after the team.
SCORES:
Tuesday 6th July - 50 over game.
RAF 246 all out (T Adcock 76, D Catlow 43, J Iago 31, M Parton 21, S Getkate 3 for 69, B McCarthy 2 for 39, G McCarter 2 for 43)
IRISH SCHOOLS’ 194 all out (C Grieve 55, B Wylie 36, G McCarter 23, P Turner 4 for 29, J Iago 4 for 34)
RAF won by 53 runs.
Wednesday 7th July
1st Twenty20
RAF 164 for 6 wkts. (M Parton 83, T Adcock 30, S Getkate 2 for 24, G McCarter 2 for 31)
Irish Schools’ 166 for 4 wkts. (S Thompson 56*, H McDonnell 32, B Wylie 23, S Getkate 19*, T Smith 2 for 21).
Irish Schools' won by 6 wickets.
2nd Twenty20
Irish Schools’ 158 for 6 wkts. (T Murphy 34, S Thompson 34, G McCarter 33, A Berry 21, S Getkate 17*, R. Williams 2 for 17, P Turner 2 for 31)
RAF 153 for 8 wkts. (T Adcock 60, J. Iago 26, S Getkate 2 for 30, B McCarthy 2 for 32)
Irish Schools' won by 5 runs.