Kenya fight back against Ireland

Paul Stirling hit 13 fours and a six in his century

Kenya fought back with five late wickets to reduce holders Ireland to 323-7 after the opening day of the Intercontinental Cup game at Eglinton.

Paul Stirling and Jeremy Bray put on 182 for the opening wicket in the four-day match before Bray departed for 89.

Stirling went on to complete his century but he was immediately dismissed with the score on 229.

Alex Cusack scored 63 but he was the final wicket to fall as the Kenyans had the better of the action after tea.

Former Kenyan captain Steve Tikolo claimed five Irish wickets, including his dismissal of Kevin O'Brien for a duck.

Tikolo also dismissed Andrew White (3) and Gary Wilson (11) cheaply in addition to sending Cusack and Andre Botha (26) back to the pavilion.

At the close, Trent Johnston (4 not out) and captain Kyle McCallan (1 not out) were at the crease.

Nehemiah Odhiambo and Peter Ongondo were the other Kenyan wicket-takers.

The Irish scored quickly in their 92 overs after most of the morning had been lost because of rain.

Stirling hit 13 fours and a six before he departed for 100 while Bray's innings included 14 fours.

The home team are without regular skipper William Porterfield and another county-tied player Boyd Rankin.

Wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien is also missing because of injury.