YORKSHIRE just had time to get Ireland into big trouble in Belfast yesterday before torrential rain wiped out the rest of the day's play in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy first round match.

The game was due to resume today with Ireland on 33-3 in 12.3 overs with some of their main dangermen already gone.

There had been much speculation over who would be left out of Yorkshire's side in order to accommodate England captain, Michael Vaughan, in his first match of the season, and in the end the decision was made to omit South African fast bowler Deon Kruis rather than one of the in-form batsmen.

Tim Bresnan shared the new ball with Matthew Hoggard after Yorkshire had won the toss and his first delivery trapped Jeremy Bray lbw while Hoggard shattered the stumps of Ireland's other opener Jason Molins.

Yorkshire were relieved to get rid of this pair so quickly because last year they figured in a century stand together in Ireland's shock win against Trophy holders, Surrey.

Hoggard soon struck again by getting Andre Botha lbw to leave Ireland struggling for survival until the weather came to their assistance.

Rain also affected the Buckinghamshire v Lancashire, Holland v Warwickshire and Berkshire v Gloucestershire matches.

Kent survived a scare at Wiltshire where they sneaked home by nine runs after being bowled out for 160 after Kevin Nash took 4-46. Kent responded by bowling the hosts out for 151.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, May 04, 2005