Merrion hosts I Zingari Australia

Merrion – Conor Austin (c), Robert(Bob) Stanton, Andy Kay, Sam Harbinson, Peter Forkin, Grant Glutz, Hansel Dsouza (wk), Sean Sandys, Harry Sandys, Issac Dijkstra, Sam Joyce I Zingari – Imran Masood (c), G Lovell, Mark Hodge, Mark Bayliss, Lachlan Bayliss-Smith, Michael Burgess, Roger Davies, Robbie Deans, Jamie English, Simon Gerber, Craig Hambleton, Brent Hardy, George Hodge, Sebastian Hodge, Seb Law, Clive Manzie, Jim Manzie, Andrew Nutall, James Righetti, Tim Sutton, Ern Pope, Arthur Watson Umpires – Pat Carty & Davern Lewis

Last Tuesday June 27th, Merrion had the great pleasure of hosting I Zingari Australia on their 13 game England and Ireland Tour 2023. I Zingari Australia Cricket Club has been playing cricket continuously in Sydney since 1888 and this marks their first tour to Ireland. Merrion won the toss and skipper Conor Austin chose to bat first in the 40 over game.

Skippers Imran Masood of I Zingari and Conor Austin of Merrion at the toss.

Merrion got off to a rocky start at 23-3 in 8 overs thanks to Michael Burgess(4-37) swinging the ball expertly. Grant Glutz(85) and Sean Sandys(33) steadied the innings to put up 94 for the 4th wicket. Peter Forkin blitzed a quick 61 to take Merrion to 222-8 at the end of 40.  In reply, I Zingari found themselves in a similar spot losing early wickets thanks to disciplined bowling by Issac Dijkstra(4-27). Mark Bayliss got things under control and kept the scoreboard ticking with a brilliant 85* but regular wickets at the other end didn’t help as I Zingari were bowled out for 183, giving Merrion the win by 39 runs.

I Zingari presents Merrion with a plaque for our clubhouse.

Post match, both captains made speeches exchanging caps of their respective clubs and I Zingari presented a plaque to Merrion for our clubhouse. The two teams stayed around to share drinks before I Zingari departed for England for the remainder of their tour. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to having them again at Anglesea Road.

Full Scorecard