MCC XI completed a successful visit to Ardmore with a 39-run DLS victory over the Emerging Warriors XI in a rain-affected contest.
MCC looked in complete control after an opening partnership of 117 between CSNI duo Harry Dyer and Ryan Hunter laid the foundations for a formidable total. Dyer struck 59 from 72 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes, while Hunter made 56 from 59 balls with seven boundaries in a polished display of strokeplay.
The stand was finally broken when Warriors captain Samuel Haslett produced an excellent catch in the deep to dismiss Dyer off the bowling of left-arm spinner Andrew Mullan. Haslett then enjoyed a productive spell of his own, holding a sharp return catch to remove Hunter before having Ehtesham Ahmed stumped for 13.
Rizwan Alam finished unbeaten on 21, while Evan Williams added an unbeaten 13 as MCC reached 168 for 3 before heavy rain brought their innings to an early close after 32 overs.
Although the Emerging XI made a brief start after lunch, a further shower revised the target to 174 from 23 overs under the DLS method.
MCC's bowlers immediately seized control and the chase appeared to be heading towards a comfortable conclusion. However, Luke Marillier had other ideas.
The Irish passport holding Zimbabwean who plays locally for Donemana, launched a spectacular counter-attack, taking particular liking to Roger Bolstridge as he smashed three consecutive sixes in one over. Marillier's blistering innings of 62 from just 33 balls included six fours and four sixes and briefly threatened to turn the match on its head.
Once Gareth Williams accounted for the aggressive right-hander, the innings quickly unravelled. Chasing an increasingly demanding rate, the young Warriors lost their final six wickets for just 16 runs to be dismissed for 135 in the 21st over.
Harry Dyer completed an excellent all-round display with figures of 2 for 13, while Gareth Williams and Roger Bolstridge also claimed two wickets apiece.
MCC conclude their week-long tour on Friday when they face the NCU Under-19s at Stormont.
SCORECARD
MCC XI v NWCU Emerging XI
Venue: The Bleachgreen, Ardmore.
Result: MCC XI won by 39 runs (DLS)
MCC XI Innings
Harry Dyer c Haslett b Mullan 59
Ryan Hunter c & b Samuel Haslett 56
Ehtesham Ahmed st Smallwoods b Haslett 13
Rizwan Alam † not out 21
Evan Williams not out 13
Jonathan Steele dnb
James Magowan dnb
Harrison Charles dnb
Roger Bolstridge dnb
Richard Simpson * dnb
Adam Potter dnb
Extras (lb1, w5) 6
Total (3 wickets, 32 overs) 168
Fall of wickets: 117, 121, 143.
Bowling: Josh Wilson 4-1-9-0, Travis Faulkner 4-0-35-0, Mark Robinson 5-0-23-0, Andrew Mullan 8-1-38-1, Samuel Haslett 7-0-33-2, Hassan Shahid 4-0-29-0.
NWCU Emerging XI Innings
Murtajiz Hussain c Alam b Williams 6
James Smallwoods c & b Dyer 6
Hassan Shahid c Potter b Dyer 3
Samuel Haslett b Simpson 23
Luke Marillier st Alam b Williams 62
Charlie Gault c Charles b Bolstridge 9
Swarnim Jha not out 3
Travis Faulkner c Steele b Bolstridge 0
Josh Wilson st Alam b Williams 6
Andrew Mullan c Steele b Magowan 1
Mark Robinson c Williams b Magowan 2
Extras (lb3, w 11) 14
Total all out (20.4 overs) 135
Fall of wickets: 16, 17, 28, 65, 119, 122, 122, 129, 133, 135.
Bowling: Evan Williams 4-1-14-1, Harry Dyer 4-1-13-2, Harrison Charles 2-0-22-0, Richard Simpson 3-1-8-1, Roger Bolstridge 4-0-47-2, Gareth Williams 3-0-24-2, James Magowan 0.4-0-4-2.
Match Officials: C Killen and E Macbeth
Scorer: P Searson
