Ed Joyce and Tim Murtagh were yet again the most notable performers in the past week of the Irish across the water.

Murtagh claimed his second five wicket haul of the season as Middlesex drew a rain affected encounter with a Warwickshire side containing Boyd Rankina nd William Porterfield.

The Irish skipper continued his recent habit of getting out after a decent start - making 20 this time. Rankin's recuperation from injury continued as he claimed 2 for 87 spearheading the Bears attack in the absences of Wright and Woakes on England Lions duty.

Niall O'Brien was in the runs as he hit 46 in Leicestershire's drawn game with Worcetsershire - another match badly affected by the elements.

Ed Joyce's jinx - if it can be termed that - of getting out in the 90's continued as he was dismissed for the 20th time in his professional career between 90-99 - this time helping Sussex beat Northants in the YB40.

Joyce rescued his Sussex Sharks team after former Railway Union professional Trent Copeland had them in some trouble early on claiming 5 for 32.

Gary Wilson superb run was somewhat dented by Durham - he was lbw to Irish fans nemesis Paul Collingwood for 0, and then made 6 and 26 in the Championship game as Surrey lost by five wickets.

Paul Stirling's run in the Middlesex Championship first team lasted all of one game - he was in fine touch for the second string though as he took 4 for 92 and hit an ubbeaten 71 as they chased 281 to beat their Sussex counterparts by 7 wickets.

Stuart Poynter and Shane Getkate played for MCCYC against Worcestershire "nd XI in a 40 overs game. Poynter top scored with 74 and Getkate scored 10 as the youngsters prevailed by ten runs.