In Ireland's innings Connell left early while Pigot played a brief but attractive innings before falling lbw to Haig. James Macdonald had come in at 11 and stayed to see 103 runs added, Pigot was out at 61. Macdonald only made 32 of these runs in 110 minutes and, while serving his side well, he became tiresome to watch. Profiting by his captain's efforts Ingram played the best cricket of the day. His innings of 78 lasted 100 minutes and he hit 12 fours. The freedom and style of Ingram were indeed welcome when the spectators had begun to lose interest. Cook and Ingram put on 69 for the fourth wicket and, when Ingram was out at 183, Ireland were 14 runs ahead. This lead was increased to 54 for the further loss of Cook who had played very well for his 33.

In the morning, Neve bowled McVeagh at once and one run later Haig had Lambert for a "duck". Boucher and Crothers were now together and the partnership was not broken until 64 had been added. After Crothers left for 36, Boucher, in the company of Billingsley, saw the 300 up and the innings eventually ended at 304 with Boucher 29 not out. This was one of Boucher's "safe" innings as exactly 100 were scored while he was at the wicket.

This lead of 135 gave Ireland hopes of winning but these hopes were dispelled when Hamilton and Wilkinson put on no less than 211 for the first MCC wicket. Both scored steadily until the arrears were wiped out and then they hit tremendously hard. Wilkinson, in particular, showed no mercy and scored 111 in 2½ hours, hitting 13 fours. Hamilton took charge after Wilkinson left and proceeded to pierce the two rings of fieldsmen employed by the slower bowlers with well-placed drives. Wickets fell at regular intervals after Wilkinson left and when Hamilton was sixth out at 325 Haig declared. Mention must be made of Billingsley who took five of the six wickets that fell for 54 runs. He maintained a fine pace all through and his five wickets at a late stage in the innings were thoroughly deserved.

Ireland now needed 191 to win with two hours in which to get them. Pigot was out at 23 and at 40 McVeagh left. A further wicket, that of Connell, who had scored only eight, followed at 53 and Ireland were only a little in front of the clock. Then came the partnership that won the game, Ingram and Cook put on 120 in 60 minutes. Ingram scored his 83 in that period and this was his greatest innings for Ireland and the peak of his career. He hit 11 fours and he and his partner stole every possible run. Opposed to them was a young Edrich then bowling very fast indeed, but all the bowling was treated alike. When Ingram was out Lambert rushed out to join Cook and they were together when the game was won with five minutes to spare. The last 138 had come in 70 minutes and Cook carried his bat for 36. It was a great win and a great match for Ingram.

Derek Scott