Cricket: Ireland beat England

A great victory in the Cricket World Cup! After a loss to Bangladesh Ireland bounce back with a victory over England. Not easily won. On a good batting pitch England batted first and made 327. Irish bowlers did well especially in restricting England towards the end when it looked like 350 was possible. It did appear that the asking total was too much, the Irish batting has often been the weakest element. I watched all the English innings and the start of the Irish.

The commentators tried not to be condescending but now and then referred to this being a useful exercise for England after their draw against India at the week-end. They were however fulsome in their praise for the Irish at the end.

Irish captain William Porterfield was out first ball and it looked like the fight was for a respectable total. Off I went to read poetry in the Knightsbridge Retirement Home.

Perhaps an omen was that one of our resident readers read Arthur Hugh Clough's

Say not the struggle naught availeth,
The labour and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.


When I came home I turned on the TV expecting to see "experts" praising Ireland for a courageous display, another gallant defeat but no the match is still on, and Ireland need 35 runs from 30 balls to win. Kevin O'Brien has come in and made 100 runs from 50 balls, the quickest century in World Cup history. They keep calm and win in the last over. Great celebrations! This is the greatest run chase in World Cup history.

The Irish team has Ed Joyce playing, back after a spell playing for England. Irishman Eoin Morgan isn't playing for England because he is injured. This is an All-Ireland team their flag is not the tricolour. Captain Porterfield has a Northern Irish accent and O'Brien a Dublin accent.

RTE report. Telegraph report. BBC report.