MCC batted first but D Kennedy, M Nixon and A Nixon all went cheaply with some tight bowling from R McKinley, S Shannon, A Shields and G McCarter. For MCC A Kirkpatrick accumulated runs steadily to take MCC to 140 for 4. However the slower bowling options of B Wylie, J Glen and S Campbell proved too much for the MCC with the remaining 6 wickets falling for 59 runs to give them a total of 199 in 55 overs.

The Ulster Schools' XI got off to a flyer with J Glen playing lofted drives on both sides of the wicket before eventually being caught for 28. The other Ulster Schools' opener A Berry fell soon after giving the bowler an easy return catch. However A Shields (58) and S Olphert (40), after a tricky start, batted aggressively to take the Ulster Schools' to within 30 runs of the winning total.

The Inter Pro team, to play Southern Schools on 28-30th June, will likely be announced early next week after players have other opportunities to impress selectors in Schools' Cup semi-finals as well as the Play off finals of both Saturday morning leagues.

Simon Thompson
Ulster Schools' Coach