This match was much interfered with by rain. The second day was the only full day's play that took place. On the first day play started at 4.50 p.m. and, in an hour and 40 minutes, Ireland made 83 for the loss of their captain who was bowled for five by HD Read, the former Essex and England fast bowler. JR Gill, making his debut, was 49 not out at the close having batted very well in difficult conditions and faced by a hostile attack. On the second day he went on to complete his century on his home ground. He was the fourth player to make a century for Ireland on debut. It was a magnificent innings lasting 3½ hours and blemished only by a very difficult chance to short fine leg early on. Pollock helped to add 78 before being out to a full pitch. The Gill-Curley partnership brought the brightest cricket of the day - 64 runs being added in double quick time. Shortly after lunch Mahony declared at 246-9.

The Irish bowlers had an early success - Keeling being caught behind the wicket off Hill for eight. However, the county pair of Keighley of Yorkshire and Wyatt of Worcester (the former England captain) hooked and drove in great style and it was not until after tea that Keighley was bowled by Boucher, having previously completed his 50. Boucher, following his initial success, quickly dismissed Quick and Comber. Enthoven joined Wyatt and another stand ensued before Pollock smartly ran out Enthoven. Three more wickets fell and at the close MCC were 47 behind with only one wicket in hand.

Wyatt made a great effort to gain the lead next morning. Shielding his partner he went for the bowling hitting sixes and fours in all directions. He went down fighting being caught deep on the square leg boundary when a few extra feet would have meant a six and the lead for his side. The Wyatt innings was truly great and befitted an England captain. In the MCC innings Boucher took 7-91 in 31 overs, clean bowling five of his victims and finally claiming Wyatt

Ireland made 133-4 in their second innings before rain brought an early end to the match. Gill, in contrast with his first-innings century, this time got a duck. Mahony and Pollock however made the game safe with an eighty run partnership scored at a run a minute. Armstrong also batted well.

Derek Scott