Apart from a magnificent catch by international debutant Richie McDaid and another rather less spectacular effort by Jonty Rhodes, there was little to induce coronary arrest at Castle Avenue yesterday, at the start of the three-day match between Ireland and the South African Development side. At the close of play Ireland were 11 for the loss of one wicket in reply to the development side's 253 for 8 declared.

Maybe the cut-and-thrust of limited overs cricket has spoiled us, but excitement was at a premium yesterday, though it must be said that the touring side includes many talented performers, all of them fine-honing their skills at the South African Cricket Board Academy in Johannesburg. James Bryant (137 deliveries, 12 fours, one six) was top scorer with 77, Ahmed Amla was not far behind with 72 (153 balls, 10 fours, one six).

A few spilled catches cost Ireland dearly but Kyle McCallan tried hard and ended Ireland's most successful bowler, with 3 for 67 off his 24 overs, while Paul Mooney picked up a brace for 57.

Rhodes held a catch off Mooney's bowling to despatch Quentin Still and break the opening partnership before lunch. But the fielding honours of the day went to McDaid, whose one-handed diving take at deep mid-off dismissed Van den Berg.

At the close, Peter Davy and Stephen Smyth were together, Dewald Pretorius having removed Neil Carson in the second over with just one run on the board. Play resumes at 11.00 this morning.