Walsh Stars as Ireland Under-17s and Munster Share Two-Day Honours

Lisburn spinner Ben Walsh claimed nine wickets in a superb all-round bowling display as Ireland Under-17s and a Munster Select XI played out an entertaining draw in their two-day red-ball encounter at The Mardyke.

Ben Walsh took 9 wickets in the two innings

Played in glorious sunshine, the match proved an excellent examination for both sides, with batters and bowlers enjoying extended spells in the middle ahead of the remainder of the representative season.

Munster made first use of the conditions and posted 214 from 70 overs, thanks largely to captain Thorne Prophet and Awais Saghir. The pair steadied the innings with a third-wicket partnership of 63 after an early wobble.

Prophet top-scored with 57, striking four fours and a six, while Saghir contributed an attractive 48 that included seven boundaries and a maximum. Raj Undre added 24 and Sunil Gautam made 22 before Walsh led Ireland's fightback.

The Lisburn off-spinner finished with impressive figures of 4 for 50, receiving good support from Alex Ogle, who claimed 3 for 37, while Luke Crothers chipped in with two wickets.

Ireland Under-17s replied with 159, as Peter Le Roux and Aidil Naizam both made 34, while Shav Biju contributed 27. Munster spinner Seneth Sumanasinghe was the standout performer, producing a superb spell to finish with 5 for 31, while Zubair Khan claimed 2 for 40.

Munster's second innings followed a familiar pattern, with Prophet once again leading the way, this time making 36, while Zubair Khan added 20.

Action from The Mardyke: Pic by Glenn Brokenshire

However, Walsh stole the show with another outstanding display, ripping through the batting order to claim 5 for 43 and finish the match with nine wickets. Ogle again provided valuable support with 3 for 35 as Munster were dismissed for 103.

Set 159 for victory, Ireland Under-17s opted against chasing the target aggressively and instead batted out the remaining overs. Railway Union batter Peter Le Roux anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42 as the young international side closed on 80 for 3, ensuring honours were shared after two competitive days of red-ball cricket.

SUMMARY SCORE

At The Maryke, Munster Heat drew with Ireland U17s

Munster Heat 214 (70 overs; Thorne Propher 57, Awais Saghir 48, Raj Undre 24, Sunil Gautam 22; Ben Walsh 4-50, Alex Ogle 3-37, Luke Crothers 2-33) and 103 (24.2 overs; Thorne Prophet 36, Zubair Khan 20; Ben Walsh 5-43, Alex Ogle 3-35)
 
Ireland U17s 159 (70 overs; Peter Le Roux 34, Aidil Naizam 34, Shav Biju 27; Seneth Sumasinghe 5-31, Zubair Khan 2-40) and 80-3 (Peter Le Roux 42*).