An aggressive unbeaten half-century from Justin Guillen yesterday, led the T&T B team to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Ireland at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva.Ireland posted a competitive 141/5 batting first behind 44 from Paul Stirling. Stirling's knock came off 27 balls and included nine fours, while Andrew Poynter contributed 27 not out at the end of the innings. Spin bowlers Yannic Cariah (2/18) and Akeal Hosein (2/21) took two wickets apiece for the home team.
In reply, T&T B were 56/3 when Aaron Alfred was dismissed, but the Queen's Park duo of Guillen and Daron Cruickshank steadied the ship. The pair shared in an unbroken 87-run stand to see T&T to the target with nine balls to spare. Guillen struck five fours and one six in his 51 not out (34 balls), while right-handed Cruickshank was more watchful, scoring 35 off 37 balls.Ireland used this match as a warm-up for the T20 and One Day series against the West Indies, starting on Wednesday in Jamaica.
SCORES
AT NATIONAL CRICKET CENTRE: Ireland 141/5 (Paul Stirling 44, Andrew Poynter 27 no, Yannic Cariah 2/18, Akeal Hosein 2/21) vs T&T B 143/3 (18.3 overs) (Justin Guillen 51 no, Kjorn Ottley 41, Daron Cruickshank 35 no, Andrew McBrine 1/16) T&T B won by 7 wickets.