| Ground: | Observatory Lane, Rathmines, Dublin |
| Scorecard: | Ireland v Scotland |
| Event: | Scotland in Ireland 1914 |
Day 1:
At one time in the visitors' innings a big score appeared likely, as 180 appeared on the board with but four wickets down. The remaining batsmen, however, did not give much trouble, adding only 44 to the score, which, by coincidence was exactly 224 in the first innings last year at Edinburgh.
The best batting displays were given by Dickson, the Scottish captain, and Sorrie. The former got top score of the innings with 59, a contribution which included a 6 and seven 4's, and which was obtained by first-rate play. He was batting five minutes over the hour. Sorrie played in stylish fashion for an hour and a quarter for 54, many pretty strokes coming from his bat. He hit nine 4's.
Kerr played patiently for 28. Meldon, who came on to bowl late in the innings, carried off the honours of the Irish attack, getting four wickets in six overs for 22 runs.
The feature of the Irishmen's batting so far was the stand between Lambert and Shaw in support of the third wicket. They added 114 before Lambert was held by Stuart at mid-off. It was a very hard low catch, and Stuart had his hand hurt in securing it.
Lambert, who started very slowly, had made 67 in an hour and three quarters. He hit thirteen 4's, ten of which were in succession towards the close of the innings. Shaw has so far credited himself with 54, made by free cricket. Previous to this Meldon had compiled 22. Quinlan, who opened the innings with Hone, had to retire owing to colliding with the wicket-keeper.
Scotland tried all their attack, Watt being the most successful in keeping down the runs.
Day 2:
The weather was rather dull when Ireland went on with their opening innings. With the exception of Bateman, who got 34 by free cricket, and Shaw, who added 11 to his overnight score of 54, there was no item of note in the Irish batting.
Paton, who went on to bowl late in the innings, came out best of the Scottish bowlers, taking four wickets for 48, and was the chief means of finishing off the Irish innings for 249. It should be mentioned that Quinlan, who was injured on Thursday, was unable to resume.
With a deficit of 25 runs, Scotland opened their second innings and made a disastrous start, losing Sorrie and Gardiner for 18 runs, while Dickson, Stuart, and Grieve were also out with the total at 78.
At this stage Scotland were indeed in an unenviable position, as with half the side out they were only 53 runs on. However, on Kerr, who had been batting steadily, being joined by Paterson, a great stand was effected. Taking no liberties with the Irish attack, which was frequently changed, the pair gradually brought the game round, and in a partnership which lasted an hour and forty minutes, they increased the score by 99 runs.
Paterson was then leg before wicket to Lambert. He had made 49, and though his contribution was never stylish, still he had done his side a great service. He hit five 4's.
Watt stayed with Kerr to the close of play, when the score stood at 196 for six wickets, Kerr, who is credited with 74 not out, has been batting ten minutes over three hours. Though never at any time free in his batting, it can be said that he played the bowling always with confidence, while many pretty strokes came from his bat.
It is not the first time that this player has come to the rescue of his side. Last year on Scottish soil, it will be remembered, by his steady tactics in the match with Ireland he saved his side from defeat. An interesting finish may be anticipated today. During the afternoon Lord Aberdeen, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, was present.
Day 3:
The remaining four wickets only added 11 to the visitors score, and the innings closed for 207. Kerr, who overnight had made 74, failed to add to his score. He had batted altogether three and three quarter hours, and by his patient display had brought his side out of an unenviable position. He hit eight 4's.
Watt added only a single, while Kennedy got 10. As in the first innings, Meldon came out most successfully of the home bowlers.
The Irish Gentlemen were thus left with 183 to get to win, and five hours to bat. They started none too well, losing Rooney at 20, Lambert at 51, Meldon at 53, and Hone at 64, while with Shaw out immediately after the luncheon interval, five good wickets were down for 67, and the Irishmen were thus in a bad position.
Matters improved, however, when Donnelly and Bateman became partners. Playing steadily at the start, they gradually got well set, and despite the fact that Nicoll was keeping a splendid length, he came in for some punishment, especially from Donnelly. This batsman was playing really pretty cricket, and it was very disappointing to the home supporters when, with the score at 158, he foolishly ran himself out in attempting a short single. He had put together 59 by beautiful cricket, and his partnership with Bateman looked like bringing the Irishmen out of their difficulties.
Shortly after his departure Bateman was out, splendidly held by Paterson, who gathered the ball almost off the ground. The remaining wickets went cheaply, and with Quinlan still absent hurt, the innings closed for 171. The feature of the day's play was undoubtedly the bowling of Nicoll, who, keeping a grand length, got seven wickets for 63 runs, and to him chiefly credit is due for Scotland's success.
During the luncheon interval an interesting ceremony took place. Mr Dan Kerr, the Scottish president on behalf of the Scottish players, presented Mr James Smith, the secretary of the Irish Union, with a souvenir in recognition of his courtesy and attention during their stay in Dublin.
(Article: Copyright © 2013 Cricket Scotland http://cricketscotland.com)