Archive - 2005

James Fitzgerald

A tactical declaration on Friday by Ireland captain Trent Johnston helped to turn what looked like a certain draw into an almost incredible victory in the final of the Intercontinental Cup against Kenya in Windhoek, Namibia.

A brave piece of captaincy gave Ireland a chance of winning the Intercontinental Cup final against Kenya, a possibility that had seemed to have all but gone earlier in the day.
By declaring 88 runs in arrears, Ireland gambled on taking Kenyan wickets and in so doing used the complex bonus points system to their advantage. On a perfect batting surface, a result is unlikely, but after dominating the first day, it is the Kenyans who will sleep uneasily tonight. Should they lose early wickets tomorrow, then Ireland will in all probability move into the box seat.

Ireland face an uphill struggle after day one of the Intercontinental Cup final against Kenya after spending most of yesterday chasing leather around the Wanderers Sports Club in Windhoek.
Veteran batsmen Steve Tikolo and Hitesh Modi milked the Irish bowling, putting on a fourth wicket stand of 267, an all-time record for any partnership against Ireland. Modi eventually fell, caught and bowled by Andy White, for 106 while Tikolo stayed until the end, unbeaten on 177.

A solid partnership between Tony Suji and Thomas Oboyo was enough to see Kenya to a winning draw against Bermuda and put them through to the Intercontinental Cup final.
The two combined to put on 134 for the fifth wicket to lead the Africans to 282-4 in their second innings at the United Sports Ground in Windhoek.

Ireland will play Kenya in the final of the Intercontinental Cup after dominating their semi-final against the United Arab Emirates in Windhoek on October 23 ? 25.
While Adrian Birrell's team didn't win the match outright, such is the bonus point system for this competition that Ireland were well ahead by the time stumps were drawn at the close of play on October 25.

Skipper Clay Smith stroked an unbeaten century as Bermuda hit back in style against Kenya on day two of their semi-final clash. Smith, following in the footsteps of opposite number Steve Tikolo, lead by exampled with 126 as his side notched up 346-9, 57 runs of Kenya's massive opening day total.

On his debut as captain Trent Johnston took five wickets for just 33 runs as the United Arab Emirates crumbled under severe Irish pressure in the semi-final of the Intercontinental Cup in Windhoek yesterday.

Kenyan captain Steve Tikolo notched up a record 220 as the African champions took command on day one of their ICC Intercontinental Cup semi-final against underdogs Bermuda.
His highest first-class total, achieved in 233 balls and including 27 fours, helped his side to 403-6 in their 90 overs as Gus Logie's Bermuda endured a torrid day in the field at the United Sports Ground in Windhoek, Bermuda.

Eoin Morgan provided the star turn of the first day of the ICC Inter-Continental Cup semi-final against the United Arab Emirates, scoring a scorching 151 that helped Ireland to an imposing 350 for seven declared. The Emirates closed on 77 for four, giving Ireland a 9-5 lead on a scoring system that is harder to fathom than Su Doku.

Swimming South Africa launches the FINA Swimming World Cup Series which will take place at the Kings Park Aquatic Centre from 11 ? 13 November 2005. This prestigious competition is being hosted by the City of Durban for the 3rd successive year. The FINA Swimming World Cup 2005/2006 will be contested in all five continents with South Africa hosting the first of the 8-legged series. The event is held in a 25meter pool (short course). 27 Countries have already indicated their participation for this event, a tremendous growth since South Africa hosted the first World Cup in 2003. Some of the countries that will participate in Durban are: USA, Australia, Sweden, Germany, Korea, Brazil, Russia, China, Ghana, Netherlands, Slovakia and Romania. Amongst the newcomers from Africa are: Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Ivory Coast and Namibia.