The outfield at the picturesque Oak Hill venue was left under water and the match offcials called off proceedings early in the morning given that there was no prospect of play.

Trent Johnston was withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the game and replaced by Strabane left arm seamer Phil Eaglestone. The move was a precautionary one after Johnston received an injection in his knee last week. He was expected to play a full part in the rest of the games this month.

Day 2 - Tuesday 7 August:
No play

Day 3 - Wednesday 8 August:
Boyd Rankin's announced his retirement from playing for Ireland at the end of 2012. However for three young men it could be their opportunity to force their way into Ireland's plans. At Oakhill they had an early chance as Ireland's four day game against South Africa A got under way 48 hours late.

Max Sorensen and Andy Britton opened and the senior player moved the ball around as the visitors slumped to 35-3. After a rally to 90-3, Stuart Thompson struck after lunch and soon the Africans were 135-7, with the impressive Limavady all rounder and Sorensen taking three scalps apiece.

But Heino Kuhn and Rory Kleinveldt almost doubled the score for the eighth wicket, and enabled them to declare on 316.

With an hour left, and clouds gathering, Ireland's openers were confronted with the extreme pace of Quinton Friend. Andrew Balbirnie fell for 4, but John Anderson battled through till three overs from the end when he played a loose shot to Wayne Parnell and was caught at mid on for 16.

Day 4 - Thursday 8 August
Ireland battled to emerge from the first game of South Africa A’s tour with honours even at Oakhill.

A stunning display of fast-medium bowling in helpful conditions saw Ireland collapse to 202 all out. And a Test star with a local ring to him did the damage. The Oakhill ground is a few miles from Charles Stuart Parnell’s home in Co Wicklow.

But it was Wayne Parnell who is the Uncrowned King of South Africa (A) after taking seven Irish scalps.

New cap James Shannon stood tall for 59, and Stuart Thompson confirmed his promise with 21 but Ireland were forced to follow-on 115 behind.

However there were no dramas as Andy Balbirnie (36no) and John Anderson (30no) saw off the opening fire to end on 76-0.

Ger Siggins (Irish Daily Star)