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Ireland Wolves Head Coach Pete Johnston remained upbeat despite his side’s nine-wicket loss against Gloucestershire Seconds yesterday (THURS).

Ireland recovered in their second innings from 95 for 5 to post 252, thanks primarily to another superb innings from Simi Singh.

The first innings centurion almost repeated the feat, hitting an unbeaten 87 in the second innings, sharing stands of 74 with Lorcan Tucker and 67 with Shane Getkate (32).

However, Singh ran out of partners missing out on the chance of back-to-back hundreds as the Wolves were dismissed for 252.

That left the home side with a victory target of 213, which they did comfortably thanks primarily to an unbeaten 86 from Alex Barrow.

“I can’t fault the effort of the guys over the last few days of tough cricket and it was good to have all three results possible going into the last session on day 3, which is absolutely perfect in terms of developing players and learning,” said Johnston.

“Ultimately we were well beaten, but that came down to missed opportunities and critical moments on our part, mostly with the ball. We failed to capitalise with the new ball on three occasions; firstly at the end of day one when they got off to a far too easy start being 40-0 at the close of play, secondly when we had them 319-9 and on the verge of taking a first innings lead and lastly on the final day when it should have been the hardest time to bat on a wicket which was always up and down.

“It was a difficult ground for our spinners with short boundaries straight, but the guys know they could have been more accurate and varied their pace more. That said, a lot of credit must also go to Alex Barrow who was extremely solid and organised with the bat for Gloucestershire.”

Johnston paid tribute to the efforts of Simi Singh – Ireland’s newest international was the stand-out player for the Wolves with his combined total of 194 runs without being dismissed.

“I thought Simi Singh was exceptional the way he batted at a good tempo against spin and pace throughout and James McCollum battled hard in overcast conditions on the first morning to score 51 laying a platform for a good 1st innings total.

“It was a shame Simi ran out of partners so close to a second century of the match. Shane Getkate was involved in two very good partnerships with Simi and I was pleased for him coming in as a late replacement and taking his opportunity.

“There were other good partnerships involving James Shannon, Lorcan Tucker and Nathan Smith, but it would have been better if any of those 50 + partnerships had gone on to be 100 +.

“We faced a stern test from Liddle and Taylor, two experienced left-arm seamers who operated well from both over and around the wicket into rough they had created with their follow throughs, it was a good example of the value in having effective left-arm seam in your attack. Barring Josh Little, I don’t think there would be anybody else in our domestic cricket who is exposing our batters to anything similar,” added Johnston.

Johnston expected an improved performance in the match against Scotland A next week, and wanted more from the top order and the seam bowlers in particular.

“I expect all of our top order to perform better against Scotland next week and be hungry for big runs.

“While having spent the last three days trying to target the top of the stumps and use effective bouncers, I expect we will have improved in this regard come next week.

“The bowling group have set their own goal of building pressure, bowling maidens and effectively bowling a line and length that will bring all dismissals into play.”

Jack Tector assumed the mantle of captaincy after Andrew Balbirnie’s withdrawal through injury and admitted he found the experience challenging but enjoyable.

“It certainly was a testing experience, but one which I enjoyed. Having not played much multi-day cricket myself it was great to have guys like John Anderson and James Shannon to offer advice when needed.

“Simi played superbly in both innings which was brilliant to see. He was well supported by the middle order at various stages.

“Nathan Smith bowled well throughout the match and Craig Young did well in the first innings to get four wickets.”

The YMCA opener is looking forward to next week’s clash against Scotland, which will be played at his home ground at Claremont Road.

“It will be great to take on Scotland at my home ground. We played a good game against them over there last year, so hopefully next week will be the same and it is sure to be competitive cricket with plenty at stake. ”

The three-day match against Scotland A starts on Tuesday (11am) and there is free entry for all spectators.


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