Match report by Gerry Byrne

---

Scorecard:

Ireland v Military

---

DateLine: 29th September 2006

 

This match followed a week after the I Zingari match and was the latest date an Irish team ever ventured into the field in Ireland. The two days were gloriously fine but a poor crowd attended on each day. Some of the I Zingari team were there, as was the Lord Lieutenant. This was Lawrence’s last match in Ireland and by taking 11 wickets he brought his final total to 98 in 12 matches since 1856. In fact no less than 6 of the Irish team never played for their country again.

 

Much was expected of the Military XI after their crushing defeat of I Zingari but, without their batting star, F.Watson, they sadly disappointed and were dismissed for 39 and 40 – the lowest match aggregate against Ireland at that time. Not one single Military player reached double figures in either innings and indeed there were only 6 innings that exceeded 5. Lawrence took 6 wickets and Hodgson 2 in the first innings dismissal of 39. Hilliard was out at 0 stumped off Lawrence. The second, third and fourth wickets fell at 14 and after the 5th fell at 27 there was no further resistance. J.H.Chapman (playing as “J.H.Underhand”) and W.Hone Snr. opened for Ireland and Foster bowled the former with his first ball. Young Hodgson joined Hone and there followed a partnership of 54 in rapid and good style. Eventually both were out in their 20’s. Brenan was out for 1 at 64 and Samuels run out at 76. Lawrence and Barry added 27 and saw the 100 up. At 103 Williams bowled Lawrence for 16 and at close of play the score was 111 for 6, Barry 12 and M.Kennedy 2, both not out.

 

On the 2nd day Barry and M.Kennedy (described as a "rigging young player") resumed to the bowling of Williams and Posnett. After 16 overs only 4 runs had been scored and then Barry was caught at cover off Posnett for 17 – 122 for 7. M.Kennedy (13) was caught at 128. Hobart at no. 10 made a good 14 and together with Crosthwaite (9 not out) put on 28 for the last wicket. The lead was therefore 127. The Military, however, only made one run more than in their first innings and this time Lawrence and Samuels each took 5 wickets and the best stand of the innings was 13 for the 7th wicket between Posnett and Chatfield. Despite the low scores no Military player "bagged a pair".

 

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Gerry Byrne)