CRICKET: Ireland off to slow start in Brisbane

Openers William Porterfield and Paul Stirling both went cheaply, making only five, but the experienced pairing of Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien led a fightback.

Joyce top scored with 35 from 60 balls (4 fours, 1 six), sharing a third wicket partnership of 55 with O’Brien - who struck five boundaries in a fluent 26.

O’Brien’s dismissal by Australian international Ben Cutting sparked a collapse in the Irish ranks, as Joyce followed shortly after.

Gary Wilson and Stuart Poynter both made 18, with Andrew Balbirnie (0) and Stuart Thompson (4) falling in quick succession to leave Ireland reeling on 122 for 8, with Clontarf professional Mick Granger (2-53) accounting for Wilson and Thompson.

Tim Murtagh made a solid 20 before he was dismissed by Andy McBrine (1-14) - both the Donemana all-rounder and George Dockrell were playing for the hosts.

Indeed it was Dockrell (1-5) who brought the Irish innings to a close on 155 as he bowled Boyd Rankin for nine.

Craig Young took an early wicket but a second wicket stand of 68 between Scott Henry (50) and Nick Stevens (33) put Queensland firmly in the ascendancy.

Young came back to break the partnership, having Stevens well caught by Paul Stirling.

Former Australian Under 19 international Sam Truloff (9) became Boyd Rankin’s (1-15) first wicket back in Irish colours as Ireland rallied late in the day.

Stuart Thompson had Henry caught behind by O’Brien, before Paul Stirling bowled Scott Bazley with the last ball of the day as Queensland finished 18 runs adrift on 137 for 5.

Ireland are in Australia to face Papua New Guinea in the ICC InterContinental Cup and this game is ideal preparation for the encounter which starts in Townsville on Sunday.