The competition in Malaga consists of four group games, finals day, then Championship Week (Oct 15-19) for the winner of the group.
DAY ONE
3 OCTOBER Ireland Academy vs Portugal – Cartama Oval
- Portugal won the toss and elected to put Ireland Academy into bat.
- Jason van der Merwe immediately had the bowlers under pressure with 72 off just 20 deliveries.
- The Portuguese bowlers then came back into the contest with Jeremy Martins (Malahide) the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 9 from his two overs.
- The Ireland Academy bowlers had a dream start in trying to defend 139 having Portugal 0-1, 4-2 and then eventually 15-4.
- The chasing side then got back into the contest largely thanks to Martins who scored 51 from just 13 deliveries.
- It was then all on Matthew Weldon (2-15) to defend 15 in the final over for which he received the Player of the Match award.
Scorecard here.
Ireland Academy beat Portugal by 8 runs
3 OCTOBER Ireland Academy vs Guernsey – Cartama Oval
- Ireland Academy were put into the bat for the second time on Day One after losing the toss.
- Jason van der Merwe again started strong with the bat but it was Cameron Melly who this time led the way with 69 (31), assisted by skipper Jared Wilson who scored 31 off 12.
- The Guernsey bowlers continued to chip away with wickets, but Ireland Academy still posted a strong 146-5.
- In response, Ireland Academy had Guernsey in trouble at first at 1-1, 4-2 and then 5-3.
- From there the chasing side found it very difficult to stay in the game, eventually reaching 74-5.
- Matthew Weldon was again the pick of the bowlers with 2-14 (2) while spinner Alex Armstrong was also impressive with his control.
- Two wins out of two for Ireland Academy on Day One in Group A – next game tomorrow against Scotland XI at 12:45pm.
Scorecard here.
Ireland Academy beat Guernsey by 72 runs