Frustrating exitfor Waringstown

Waringstown were left frustrated and angry after they departed the RSA Irish Cup in controversial circumstances on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2014, 15:00 BST
Cricket - Warringstown v Railway Union - 8th June 2014 Presseye Declan Roughan Waringstown's Phil Shaheen Kahn misses a catch against Railway UnionCricket - Warringstown v Railway Union - 8th June 2014 Presseye Declan Roughan Waringstown's Phil Shaheen Kahn misses a catch against Railway Union
Cricket - Warringstown v Railway Union - 8th June 2014 Presseye Declan Roughan Waringstown's Phil Shaheen Kahn misses a catch against Railway Union

A rule, brought in by the cricket committee of Cricket Ireland, means that all Irish Cup ties, apart from those in the first round, will go to a bowl-out in the event of a washout.

That is exactly the fate that befell Waringstown as two prolonged heavy spells of rain forced the villagers and Railway Union off the pitch.

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Railway had reached 68 for two after 16 overs and the rain eventually stopped at 4.30pm.

The groundstaff and volunteers then spent the next two-and-half hours performing miracles getting the ground into a mostly fine state for cricket.

The umpires remained concerned about a small area at the boundary but said they were willing to officiate on a reduced 10-over game.

However, they left the decision in the hands of the two captains. Lee Nelson, the Waringstown skipper, agreed but Railway’s Kevin O’Brien, the Ireland international, declined, favouring a bowl-out.

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His side duly won and have the bizarre distinction of reaching the quarter-finals without winning a match - they also won a bowl-out against Instonians in the first round.

Waringstown travel to CIYMS on Saturday in the NCU Premier League. They are without wicketkeeper Jonathan Bushe and bowler Phil Eaglestone.