Laois Cricket Club

The Laois First Team began their Senior II League campaign on Saturday with a single wicket defeat away to North County. Despite playing well for periods of the game, Laois will undoubtedly look back on this game as one they should have won.

Batting first on a drying wicket, the Laois batsmen failed to capitalize on the opportunity to post a big score. Ali (30) and Zeeshan (70) were the only batsmen who really applied themselves correctly and patiently punished the bad ball opportunities. Laois were eventually bowled out for 194 after only 37 overs.

In defending the total, the Laois bowling and fielding was sporadic. North County continuously punished some short-length bowling. However, Laois made steady progress through the North County batsmen, aided in particular by some excellent individual fielding by brothers Clint and Matthew Auret, and by some impressive catching, particularly by Armand Smit.

Laois worked hard and managed to take 9 wickets in total before North County finished the innings after 49 overs.

Laois Thirds match against the Hills on Saturday was cancelled due to rain.