Mahony, in his first game for Ireland as captain, won the toss and batted on a slow wicket. There was no excuse for Ireland's poor score of 137, which was brightened only by two defensive innings by Pollock and Mahony and some lusty hitting by Curley. Nichol took 7-39 in 20 overs - magnificent bowling on such a wicket.
Scotland, going in after tea, fared little better and, at the close, were 65-5. Again it was Nichol who bore the brunt of the effort and he was 24 not out overnight. He took his score to 60 not out before the number 11 was out and so contributed almost half of Scotland's total of 127. Boucher, as always, bowled splendidly and took 5-34 in 22 overs.
Ireland's batting was much more enterprising in the second innings. Pollock, 65, and Curley, 43, hit finely but were well helped by dropped catches, faulty picking up and erratic throwing. This pair added 78 for the fourth wicket. Wilson, by his usual classic batting, helped Pollock to add a further 56 for the fifth wicket. At the end of the day the score was 228-9.
On the Tuesday Ireland added 13 more runs - Nichol getting 5-39, giving him a match analysis of 12-78. Scotland were set 252 runs in 5½ hours but never looked like reaching their goal and they were all out for 133. The pitch was now taking spin and Boucher revelled in the conditions as his figures, 6-34, show. Only Aitchison, 25, showed any real resistance and a dying spark was the last wicket partnership of 27 by Chisholm and Youngson. The feature of the match was the great all-round display by Bill Nichol, Scotland's left-hander.