Coach Mike Hendrick is backing his batsmen as Ireland's defence of the European championship faces a crucial test against Denmark in the Hague today. In a match they must win, Ireland need to guard against a clatter of wickets falling, as this precipitated defeat by Holland. Hendrick said: "We didn't bat well as a unit on Sunday, but these things happen sometimes and we'll put it down to experience."
Denmark were locked in their dressing-room for 40 minutes yesterday by coach Ole Mortensen after losing to the England amateurs by 128 runs.
If Ireland lose to Denmark, their hopes of retaining the title are over, whereas a win, followed by victory over Scotland on Thursday, would ensure a place in Saturday's final.
At HBS, the Hague: England ECB 11 244 all out. (49.4 overs, R Halsall 130); Denmark 116 (41 overs). England won by 128 runs.
Meanwhile, Angus Dunlop, Ireland's captain, will lead the South X1 against the national Development side in the Senior Interprovincial match at Malahide on Sunday week. The game will be a prelude to the Development X1's four-match English tour, later that week.
Dunlop, at present leading the national team in the European Championship campaign in Holland, will miss this evening match at Sydney Parade, where his club, YMCA, take on the holders, Merrion, in the final of the Alan Murray Cup. Coincidentally, the clubs meet again tomorrow at Anglesea Road, in a Leinster Senior League Section A match.
