Paul Stirling is still on the injured list and with Ed Joyce given some time off, the team is distinctly short of experience in some key areas.
But every cloud has a silver lining and in the face of adversity the selectors may have uncovered another gem in young Andy McBrine who has bowled superbly in both games and but for a dropped catch would have returned the impressive figures of 2-21 off seven overs instead of 1-33. The young Donemana man is no slouch with the bat either, although he was given little chance to attack after the middle order collapsed with plenty of overs remaining.
It promised more after William Porterfield won the toss and confidently elected to bat. The skipper led from the front with the doughty Niall O'Brien (35) and his 25 allowed Ireland to move to a healthy 78-1 before O'Brien succumbed to his second successive LBW decision. Alec Cusack (30) always looked vulnerable, but he courageously battled it out and at 100-2 a total of over 200 was very reachable. Then it all went wrong with the introduction of the lively Andre Russell and the spin attack of the portly Tamar Lambert and the accurate Nikitia Miller. Three quick wickets changed the whole course of the game and with Ireland's limited batting resources there was no way back. Jerome Taylor added the killer blows and Ireland were bowled out for a disappointing 161 with almost four overs unused.
John Campbell (71) ensured there would be no way back for Ireland and although Porterfield used all his bowlers with good effect three dropped catches in the deep added to Ireland's woes. George Dockrell, playing in his 100th game, deserved better and with McBrine tying down the other end Ireland thwarted Jamaica and picked up four wickets, albeit two were late in the day, but those three dropped chances added to the misery. Two sixes finished off the innings which was unfair on McBrine who might have got the wicket he deserved off the first blow.
Paul Stirling should be available for Friday's game with defending champions Windward Islands, and Ireland desperately need him to bolster the early order. Form has been sporadic in the first two games but there are glimpses of better times ahead so an improved batting performance could put Ireland in the driving seat. Windward will be without their talisman Darren Sammy, but they are a competent team and will see themselves as favourites in this exchange.
During the break between the innings in the Jamaica match Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh made a presentation to George Dockrell to commemorate his 100 appearances and also to National Coach Phil Simmons, who has now completed a record 200 matches in charge. Both are significant milestones, but I'm sure they will delay their celebrations until they get a Caribbean victory under their belts.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
