Ireland game washed out

Date: Thursday 14 May 2009

No Result: Ireland v Leicestershire abandoned without a ball bowled (one point each).

Leicestershire Foxes were frustrated in their bid to get a third consecutive FPT win as the match against Ireland in Clontarf was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Persistent rain in Dublin meant the sides could not take to the field at all, which leaves the Foxes on five points from six games.

Despite the no result, County can still qualify. They will need to win the final two games of the group against Worcs and Notts to have a chance of qualifying, as the Outlaws, Royals and Hants are all above the team.

Qualification is far from impossible, as wins in the final two games against Worcs and Notts would not only strengthen County’s prospects, but also knock our rivals’ quarter-final bids.

It was always going to be a tall order to progress following three defeats at the beginning of the competition, but the team is still in there fighting.

Today’s washout was a disappointment as Leics were hoping to win a third successive game and go into Saturday’s game against Worcs with another fine performance and result against a good Ireland side and gain two more points.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and it now means four points and a little fortune is required to get through.

With Worcestershire beating Hampshire, they head to Grace Road top of the pile with eight points.

Hants sit a point behind, with Notts on six with a game in hand and the Foxes on five.

With teams all playing one another in the next week, it promises to be an exciting end to the FPT group stage.