The first day was rather dull. The Crusaders made 194 in four hours on a pitch with little life in it. This figure would have been less but for unexpected resistance by the later batsmen. James Macdonald's bowling provided a feature of the day's play. His variation of flight, combined with appreciable spin, on a pitch lending him little assistance had most of the batsmen in trouble. Severe punishment from Evans rather spoiled Macdonald's figures but he finished with 5-56 in 31 overs. He maintained a fine length and seldom sent down a loose ball. Dixon also bowled well and only a series of lapses in the field prevented great results accruing from his exploitation of off-theory with five men in the slips. Harris did a great job of defensive bowling by sending down eight overs for two runs at one stage.

A big score was expected when, early on, it was seen that the fast bowlers could not make the ball rise while the pitch was far too easy for the spinners. 54 was on the board before Boucher caught Evans, 19, at mid-on off James Macdonald. With one run added the ever vigilant McVeagh at cover helped Macdonald to another success by catching Eastland, for 31. At 70 Ingram came on for Macdonald and bowled Croucher with his first ball. Two runs later Kelly caught Dunstone on the leg side off Dixon. Runs came very slowly as Harris produced a succession of maidens. Just after lunch two wickets fell for one run and then Macdonald bowled Ross. 122-7-0. Evans then found a willing helper in Hatcher and the pair put on 39. It was a brilliant one-handed catch by McVeagh that finally dismissed Hatcher for 21. Sharland and Evans added a further 31 before Harris had Evans caught for an invaluable 50.

Ireland in 90 minutes got 77-2. Lloyd tamely returned the ball to Sharland at 30 and at 36 Heaslip fell to a slip catch. TJ Macdonald, batting with ease and grace for his 46 not out, and Ingram played out time. The second day's cricket was very bright and attractive. The honours of the day went to McVeagh. He drove and pulled with unerring skill for 100 minutes and scored 94 out of 122. He batted with complete assurance and did not give the semblance of a chance, a notable fact in view of the free nature of his hitting. His only mistake brought his downfall. He rashly went down the wicket to a well flighted ball from Sharland and was stumped. A greater contrast to the batting of McVeagh than that furnished by Macdonald could scarcely be imagined. Two wickets had fallen quickly at the start of the innings and Macdonald appeared to be impressed with the necessity for extreme caution. He had a bad period when joined by McVeagh, giving a series of chances in the slips in the 50s. At other times he played with splendid judgement and in the latter part of his innings showed that he could play the forcing game. He batted for three hours and five minutes and hit seven fours in his 101. His favourite shots were a late cut and a leg glance. Ingram left at 111 having scored 32. The fourth wicket then put on 122. McVeagh was first to go and Macdonald followed five runs later, being lbw to Sharland. The last six wickets fell for 79 runs, a surprising collapse against a tired attack. Dixon, at number eight, got 34, the result of delightfully correct batting. Sharland, a slow right-hander, came out of the fray with 5-135 in 35 overs.

The Crusaders lost a wicket in their second innings before a run was scored. McVeagh took a good catch at second slip to dismiss Eastland but from that point the varied Irish attack could make no impression against batsmen whose one object was to avoid defeat. The final score was 102-3, rain bringing play to a premature conclusion at 5:20 p.m.