Ireland Strugge In Draw With Queensland

Ireland's two-day practice match against Queensland ended in a draw after the teams shook hands with a session remaining.

Simon Milenko top scored for the hosts with 62 (7 fours, 1 six) in their total of 240 for 9 declared, sharing a sixth wicket stand of 67 with Andrew McBrine.

The Donemana all-rounder - playing for Queensland along with George Dockrell and Max Sorensen- stroked seven boundaries in an unbeaten 49. Dockrell didn't have the same fortunes, making 0.

Paul Stirling (3-55) and Craig Young (3-68) took three wickets apiece with Stuart Thompson (2-47) and Boyd Rankin (1-29) the other successful wicket takers.

Resuming after lunch 85 runs behind, Ireland lost Paul Stirling without scoring, but skipper William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien led a recovery.

Portefield struck five boundaries in an unbeaten 27, with O'Brien finding the boundary ropes three times in his 24.

The pair had added an unbroken 56 for the second wicket, before both retired with an hour left in the day.

What followed will certainly give Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell serious cause for concern as they lost five wickets for just 26 runs.

Gary Wilson hit 16 and Andrew Balbirnie (9) but Stuart Thompson, Stuart Poynter and Ed Joyce all failed to score as the teams shook hands with Ireland struggling on 83 for 6.

Kevin O'Brien was again rested as a precautionary measure after suffering a back spasm during training at the weekend.

Ireland move on to Townsville where they will face Papua New Guinea in the third round of the ICC InterContinental Cup which starts on Sunday.

Ireland are currently in second place in the table, six points behind leaders The Netherlands who have played a game more.