Dundrum Cricket Club took their Under 15 squad for the clubs first ever two day tour to Ayr in Scotland to play at Cambusdoon sports club. Cambusdoon hosts this month's Scotland v New Zealand one day 50 over games and has a superb wicket and fast outfield.

Dundrum Under 15 coach Jeff Maguire had organised one 40 over game for day 1 and one 30 over game for the following day with the tour emphasis on everyone getting a chance and retirements at 50.

First Day

The first game was played in 27 degree heat and added to the fact they had been travelling from 5am it definitely took its toil as they bowled far too short on a great hard fast wicket.

Ayr put on 54 for the first wicket with Gavin Rea getting Harry Boyd caught for 17 by wicket keeper Greg Hutley. A superb hard hitting innings from Mathew Davidson of 54 and decent support from Lloyd Jefferson (39) caught superbly from the tours best fielder Conor Moag. Both Ollie Hendricks 20 and Cameron Reece 27 pushed the total up to a very respectable 232 of 40 overs.

Dundrum definitely struggled with their first ever 40 over game but Gavin Rea 2 for 37, Ewan McCartney 2 for 29 and Peter Wilson 2 for 13 were the pick of the bowling. Ayr U-15 had young girl playing Gabbi Merli who had played for Scottish ladies team and she crashed two boundaries finishing 9 not out as the home side posted a superb 232 for 9 of 40 overs.

Dundrum changed the batting order and had a patient start as Ayr's opening bowler Lloyd Jefferson bowled at a decent pace and only Terry Hutley looked comfortable and batted sensibly for the top score of 36. Ewan McCartney with 10, Matthew Porter 18 and Andrew Foster 11 were the only players to get in to double figures.

For Ayr Ollie Hendriks took 3 for 26 and Gabbi Merli had superb figures of 3 overs, 2 maidens and took 3 wickets as the tail batted poorly in extreme heat . Harry Boyd took 1 for 13 and a very impressive under 13 player Ritchie Simpson also took 1 for 10.

In the end Dundrum were bowled out for 107 in 28 overs and lost by 125 runs.

Second Day

Dundrum had fantastic night in Ayr with ten pin bowling and Lazer Quest. The kangaroo court handed out lots of fines (reaching £50 in total) and funny awards.

After an ear bashing from coach Jeff Maguire they were left in no doubt that they must play a lot better the next day or it might be the only tour they get to play in.

Dundrum batted first in 28 degree sunshine and when captain Terry Hutley lofted straight to cover for 1 of Lloyd Jefferson in the third over it looked like they were out of their depth. In the eighth over Matthew Porter was run out by team mate Andrew Foster for 11 and Dundrum were 23 for 2 off 7 overs and it looked like game over. However, excellent shot selection by Foster took the game to the Scottish lads as he cracked six boundaries in a superb knock of 51 retired with Ewan McCartney playing sensibly in the partnership. He took over by hitting the ball more crisply getting 44 runs.

Ayr sensed that they might run through the tail again but excellent batting and running from Greg Hutley (23 not out) and Peter Wilson (15 not out) pushed the total up to 176 for six of 30 overs. Ritchie Simpson son of Scotland International player took 2 for 22 and Gabbi Merli 1 for 22, with Jefferson 1 for 15 the pick of the home bowling.

Dundrum's captain Terry Hutleys team talk emphasis was that the bowling and fielding had to be a lot better and they answered him and the coaches plea for aggression. Matthew Dougherty ran out Ally Simpson in the first over as Andrew Foster bowled a real quick spell without much luck. Gavin Rea got the new ball and used it well with 4 overs 1 for 14.

Dundrum looked a completely different side and made inroads with wickets for Eoin Moag 1 for 16, Ewan McCartney 2 for 16 and Peter Wilson 2 for 16 as Ayr struggled against the rejuvenated villagers. The fielding backed up the bowling with catches for Terry Matthew, two for John McAdam and without doubt the best fielder over both days Conor Moag who took two brilliant catches. Greg Hutley was very tidy as wicket keeper and it was good see Matthew Dougherty and John McAdam both get their first ever wickets.

It was fitting that man of the match Andrew Foster got the last wicket as Dundrum bowled the home side out for 82 in 18 overs, winning by 94 runs.

The tour was a massive success and already plans are afoot for next year. It was a fantastic effort from Dundrum and as far as I know no other club in the NCU took a junior team on a tour. So well done Tour Manager Paddy Hutley, Dave Williams and coach Jeff Maguire.