Australia A defeat Ireland XI by 93 runs

Australia A clinched a 93 run win against a battling Ireland XI, who although never really threatened to pull off a famous win, certainly made their opponents fight for their wickets.

Rain wiped out the morning session, and when play finally got under way at 1:40pm, James Shannon (35) and Andrew White (23) converted their overnight 51 for 3 into 92 for 3, playing seamers James Pattinson and Peter Siddle with great conviction.

It was the introduction of the impressive spinner Nathan Lyon (3-40) who made the initial breakthrough, having White well caught by Nic Maddinson at short leg off bat and pad.

James Shannon followed in identical fashion just eight runs later, and when Moises Henriques removed John Mooney (0) and Kevin O'Brien (10) in quick succession, Ireland had lost four wickets for just 20 runs and at 112 for 7, it was all about respectability.

The in-form Stuart Poynter - he scored 172 for MCC Young Cricketers earlier this month - played with a maturity and confidence which belied his 22 years, and found a willing partner in his former Ireland Under 19 World Cup colleague Stuart Thompson.

The pair shared an 8th wicket stand of 70 in 17 overs before Thompson became Lyon's third victim, trapped lbw for 23.

Trent Johnston (5) became Fawad Ahmed's first wicket in Australian colours, and Ireland's innings was ended when Poynter gave skipper Brad Haddin his fifth catch of the innings - Peter Siddle finally getting the reward that his display deserved. Poynter's 63 came from 79 balls and contained nine fours.

Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh presented the RSA Man of the Match Award to Nic Maddinson for his whirlwind century on Sunday, pipping Paul Stirling, Steve Smith and Max Sorensen who all got honourable mentions.

Ireland are next in action when they travel to The Netherlands for their InterContinental Cup clash, which is followed by two vital World Cup qualifiers. Wins for Ireland against the Dutch would secure one of the two automatic slots on offer for the 2015 competition in Australia and New Zealand.

At Stormont, Ireland XI v Australia A, Day 4 Close of Play

Australia XI 312-9 dec and 174-0 dec beat Ireland XI 186-4 dec and 207 all out (65.2 overs, S Poynter 63, J Shannon 35, S Thompson 27, A White 23, M Henriques 4-22, N Lyon 3-40) by 93 runs.