Roulston plays a starring role during historic win over Kiwis

GAVIN Roulston enjoyed a few weeks to remember when he represented Ireland at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

The 17-year-old Holy Cross College pupil played a starring role in the team’s emphatic and first ever victory over New Zealand, which led to Ireland’s highest ever finish of eighth in the competition and secured automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament.

Their 41-run DLS victory over the Kiwis came thanks, in no small part, to Roulston’s mature performance at the crease where he knocked in an eye-catching 82 runs.

Irish openers Ryan Hunter (24) and Jordan Neill (19) added 43 for the first wicket but fell in quick succession.

That brought together Roulston and Kian Hilton, who shared a match-defining partnership of 129 in 26 overs.

After Hilton’s dismissal for 72 wickets began to tumble and Ireland were reduced to 208 for 7 but Roulston stood firm against the onslaught and he steadied the lower order brilliantly, upping the tempo after passing his half century before making an additional 31 runs from 21 balls for a magnificent knock of 82 to fire Ireland ta a very competitive 267-9 total.

Ireland got off to the perfect start when New Zealand replied with Olly Riley striking in the fourth over and he went on to capture two more wickets as Pete Johnston’s side never relinquished control of the contest.

A run-out and a wicket for Harry Dyer just before the game was abandoned due to the weather left New Zealand on 131 for 5 when play was halted, well short of what was needed via DLS, to ensure Ireland’s first ever win over New Zealand in 50 attempts across all levels.

For Roulston, the win and his performance against New Zealand were the definite highlights of his time in South Africa and he feels that effort atoned for what he believes were slightly under-par performances in his other appearances in the tournament.

“The 82 against New Zealand was certainly my highlight of the tour,” he beamed. “To top score was certainly very exciting and to beat New Zealand at cricket for the first time in 50 attempts for any Irish team was something we will cherish for a long time.

“That result also meant a best ever finish of 8th place at an U19 World Cup which is something the squad were certainly proud off.

“I also played in group stage games against USA , Bangladesh and Pakistan in the Super Sixes, unfortunately I didn’t perform as well as I’d like in those games but was happy to comeback strong against New Zealand.”

Representing his country at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup has whetted Gavin’s appetite for more international appearances and having had the opportunity to test his game against the best on the planet, he’s hungry for more of the same.

“It certainly has whetted my appetite for more international experience,” he explained. “To represent your country is certainly a great honour and my aim is to keep working hard at my game and hopefully gain more honours for my country in the future.

“My overall experience was very enjoyable indeed. To finish in 8th overall probably exceeded our expectations as our plan was to qualify for the super sixes and finish in the top 10 for automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

“It was my first time playing in South Africa, there was a tour last March in preparation for the World Cup but unfortunately I missed out due to injury.

“To play in an u19 World Cup was an amazing experience, to play against some of the world’s biggest nations was just incredible. The weather was extremely hot up in the 30s something which took abit of time to adapt too certainly a lot different from the climate in Ireland. I found the people very friendly and certainly make some great memories.

“It was certainly tough as you’re playing against the best under-19 players from each country. We knew how tough it was going to be as we knew our group which included the reigning champion India and the previous winners Bangladesh and then progressing to the Super Sixes would mean more tough opponents. Playing against these opponents gave me the opportunity to test myself against the best in the world which I enjoyed very much.”

Before he gets the taste of more international cricket, Gavin has his attentions turned back to the local game and the aim of winning ‘more silverware’ with Bready Cricket Club.

“The season is now creeping up on us and I can’t wait now to get started,” he added. “Last season Bready finished third in the league and won the Sammy Jeffery Shield so we will be hoping to kick on this year and won some more silverware.”

Meanwhile, at the 12th Business Plus Irish Cricket Awards on Friday night in Dublin, Fox Lodge’s Mollie Devine was named Butlers Club Player of the Year (women) and David Caldwell was presented with the Waterford Club Cricket Official of the Year – in honour of Paul Reynolds – award.