Irish still in control against Dutch

Ireland remain in control of their ICC Intercontinental Cup clash despite a late rally by the Netherlands in the final hour of day two in Deventer.

Having been dismissed for 332 on Monday, Ireland bowled out their Dutch opponents for 148, but opted not to enforce the follow-on despite having a significant 184-run advantage.

Ireland moved steadily to 52-1, before three wickets fell in quick succession.

They ended the day on 68-4, an overall lead of 252, with two days remaining.

With the pitch already offering significant assistance to the spinners, Ireland didn't relish the prospect of batting last on the fourth day, prompting their decision not to make the hosts bat again.

After the early loss of Andrew Balbirnie for just a single, James Shannon (31) and first innings centurion John Anderson (18) steadied the ship for Ireland before those three wickets fell before the close.

Anderson fell lbw, attempting to sweep Pieter Seelaar, and the same bowler accounted for Irish skipper Kevin O'Brien (4), a turning ball catching the edge through to keeper Wesley Barresi.

In between, Shannon had struck a Daniel Doram full toss straight to Gruijters at extra cover as the Dutch mounted a fightback.

Andrew White ended the day on six not out and Stuart Poynter on four not out to ensure there were no further successes for the home side.

Earlier in the day Tom Cooper had been the sole Dutch batsman to offer any resistance, top-scoring with 51 from 128 balls, before being last man out, brilliantly stumped by Stuart Poynter, to give George Dockrell his third wicket.

John Mooney (2-5) had dismissed both openers, while Max Sorensen (2-33) accounted for tail-enders Gunning and Braat.

Trent Johnston and Andrew Balbirnie both had figures of 1 for 20, while Stuart Thompson (1-23) was the other Irish wicket taker.

Ireland are guaranteed at least six points from the fixture by virtue of having the first innings lead and will be hoping to collect the extra 14 points which would secure a final berth in Dubai in December over the next two days.

ICC InterContinental Cup day two of four

At Deventer

Ireland 332 all out (J Anderson 127, D Doram 5-82) and 68-4 (35 overs, J Shannon 31, P Seelaar 2-9)

Netherlands 148 all out (60.2 overs, T Cooper 51, G Dockrell 3-32, J Mooney 2-5, M Sorensen 2-33) by 252 runs.

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