Ireland v Scotland 27, 29 & 30 June 1931 by Cricket Scotland

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Ground:	College Park, Dublin
Scorecard:	Ireland v Scotland
Event:	Scotland in Ireland 1931

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DateLine: 31st January 2013

 

 

Day 1:
Remarkable cricket was seen at College Park, Dublin, when Scotland and Ireland met in what is regarded in Ireland as the principal cricket match of the season. The weather was gloriously fine, and Ireland, winning the toss, started batting on a perfect pitch.

 

Pigot and Macdonald gave them a good start, and the score had reached 36 when Macdonald left. Hiddleston, the Scottish slow bowler, wrought havoc among the Irish batsmen, and, in conjunction with Simpson, the wicket-keeper, who stumped three and caught one, he caused a great collapse of the Irish batsmen. At one stage of play he had five wickets for 11.

 

A fine stand for the ninth wicket by Boucher and Crowthers, which realised 49, saved Ireland from absolute ruin, and the total reached 124. Hiddleston had the fine analysis of six wickets for 49. Simpson kept splendidly.

 

Scotland, with the redoubtable John Kerr and K.W. Marshall, started batting confidently, but Kerr should have been out when the score was 6. Needless to say, his escape caused a gasp of dismay from the Irish spectators, as the Irish crowds have learned long since what a dangerous batsman Kerr is. It was generally thought, with Kerr getting set, that Scotland would put up a big score.

 

Later, Boucher, in going to bowl, met marked success, and took two wickets in his second over. Then, to the great joy of the crowd, Kerr got his leg in front of a straight one from Macdonald, and the batsman retired, having compiled 23 in his usual faultless style.

 

The Irish bowlers now took command, and Boucher, bowling splendidly, and aided by good fielding, soon disposed of the remainder, the innings closing for 101. Boucher had the fine analysis of six wickets for 29 runs.

 

Ireland batted for a second time, and at the close of play had scored 18 without loss. It was a most interesting day's cricket, played in charming weather and lovely surroundings, and there is every prospect of a fine finish, even although the game may not last out the three days.

 

Day 2:
The second day's play of a remarkable game at College Park, Dublin, saw Ireland leaving off in a very strong position, as, with only two wickets to fall Scotland require 107 to win.

 

The wicket all through was notable for low scoring, although the conditions were all apparently in favour of the batsmen; and when it is stated that 38 wickets fell for 476, the supremacy of all bowlers will be apparent.

 

The fact that John Kerr, the famous Scottish batsman, was disposed of cheaply in each innings was a heavy reverse for his side, for there is no player held in such high respect in Ireland as the redoubtable Scottish skipper. Unless something remarkable happens it seems that Ireland are in a position to gain one of their few wins over Scotland.

 

When the game was resumed in fine weather, Ireland held a lead of 41, and with all their wickets in hand. Three wickets fell quickly, T.J. Macdonald, Pigot, and Ingram all leaving early. Baxter bowling very well, it looked as if another collapse of the Irish batsmen was imminent, when James Macdonald and T.G. McVeagh, two left -handers, struck up a splendid partnership.

 

It was curious, under the circumstances, that no change was made in the bowling until an hour's play had taken place, and then Hiddleston, the slow bowler, who had done so well in the first innings was tried. The partnership, having yielded 65, was broken when J. Macdonald fell to a good catch by Jones at square-leg for a fine innings of 35.

 

Just at the luncheon interval McVeagh was out for a splendid contribution of 54. Reddy hit out well for 28, and the innings closed for 167, leaving Scotland to make 191 to win.

 

It was a great blow to Scotland's chances when at 24 John Kerr, for the second time in the match, was out leg before, and then Boucher, bowling in splendid style, quickly disposed of McTavish, Nicholson, Todd, and Gardiner, six wickets being down for 48. Jones and Anderson made a plucky stand, but at 69 Anderson was leg before to Macdonald.

 

The runs came mostly in singles, and then C Boucher. who had come on again after a rest, bowled Simpson in his first over, and at close of play Jones was not out 32, Scotland being 106 in arrears, with two wickets to fall.

 

Day 3:
Scotland continued their innings at Dublin yesterday morning' requiring 107 to win with two wickets in hand. Runs came slowly, and despite a good innings by J.F. Jones, Scotland were still 72 runs in arrears, when A. D. Baxter was run out in attempting, a short run.

 

Thus Ireland gained their first victory over Scotland for four years.

 

J. F. Jones, who was 32 not out overnight, carried his score to 51 not out, for which he batted an hour and a half. He lost D. S. Hiddleston, who was caught at leg by F.J. Reddy, with the total at 103.

 

J. C. Boucher, who took five of Scotland's wickets in the second innings for 36, was the most successful bowler, and in the match had the wonderful record of eleven wickets for 65.

(Article: Copyright © 2013 Cricket Scotland http://cricketscotland.com)