I attended the Ireland versus Namibia game back in 2006, and despite the rain, there was enough happening to make it worthwhile including a young player who is still going strong 14 years after his debut.
Ireland brought in WTS Porterfield, a left-handed opening bat, now playing with Rush, for his first cap. His home club is Donemana. Now 21 years of age he had played for Ireland at every youth level from under 13 upwards and had captained most of them.
He had recently captained the "A" team in Abu Dhabi. He was joined by wicketkeeper Wilson who had played four matches in 2005. The other change from the recent Surrey match was Paul Mooney, now fit, replacing his brother John, who was unavailable for this match. Slow left-armer Kidd, who had gained one cap in 2004, was also in the panel and became 12th man.
Debutant William Porterfield receives his cap from Roy Torrens
I was at all four days of this game and crowd wise it was a case of ‘one man & his dog’. Weather was the main problem with heavy rain causing all kind of problems.
Day one saw no play whatever with Roy Torren’s birthday cake being the highlight.
Roy Torrens counting the candle
This was a must win game for Ireland and there was a tense atmosphere as rain looked like wrecking their chances.
Trent Johnston and Roy Torrens
Although Trent Johnston was Ireland’s star and saviour with 71 runs when batting and 6 for 23 when bowling in the first innings, it was my fellow Fingallian, Paul Mooney taking his 100th wicket for Ireland that I remember most.
Paul Mooney with his 100th wicket for Ireland
It was decided to present William Porterfield with his first cap and since I was the only photographer attending I was ‘conscripted’.
Nice to see he had such a long and distinguished career for Ireland and continues to the present day.