Despite dire forecasts the recently arrived Canadians opened their Irish
tour at a beautifully presented North Kildare in blustery sunny
conditions. Being invited to bat they were bowled out for 196 in the
last of 40 overs. Left hander Gunaselera made an elegant 79 ball
59(4x6,6x3) and opener Hiral Patel 35(off 36). Pick of the Leps bowlers
were Max Sorenson 7.2.1.31.2, & Pat Collins 8.2.32.2.
Any Canadian jet lag was brushed away, with the help of a magic tea
(deep apple pie, freshly cut melon etc), when it came to their bowling,
which went through the Leprechauns like the proverbial "funeral through
Silverbridge". Openers K.Chohan 5.1.12.3, & H.Baidwan (who was twice on
a hat-trick) 6.2.23.4., bowled the house down. Skipper Tom Fisher alone
avoided the carnage and was on 53(off71) when the rains came up from
Clongowes (that's it Dick, blame the Jesuits for everything!). Messrs.
Lewis & Duckworth, unlike the rain, went away(at the behest of Canadian
management) and the match was drawn, Leps 105/8.
Had anyone from Cricket Ireland been there, and felt the "Midland"
welcome afforded both sides, they would strongly consider calling off
the diggers in Malahide (sorry Goose!), and play all their games at The
Maws, though this plan would have to be put on hold 'till Gerry
Fennell's missus finds the flag!