JAMES SHANNON starred with the bat as Ireland Wolves enjoyed double success on Saturday beating Gloucestershire Seconds and Bath in T20 action.
Shannon struck 6 sixes and 5 fours in a top score of 73 from just 34 balls as the Irish racked up 215 for 6 against hosts Bath.
He was well supported by David Rankin (40), Shane Getkate (38*), and Simi Singh (30) as the Irish batters found the flat track and short boundaries to their liking - hitting 18 fours and 13 sixes in their innings.
Bath - conquerors of Gloucestershire in the morning game - included former Merrion and Ireland A player Ben Ackland in their ranks, but he was dismissed for 18 as they finished 49 runs adrift.
A fine bowling display was backed by an athletic display in the field - all 8 catches being taken.
Nathan Smith (2-28), Tyrone Kane (2-29) and Simi Singh (2-31) all picked up a brace of wickets, with David Delany, James McCollum and Josh Little the other successful bowlers.
Earlier Ireland had produced an explosive batting display against Gloucestershire in the afternoon game, powering their way to a daunting 241 for 5.
James Shannon dominated an opening stand of 53 with David Rankin, hitting 4 sixes and 4 fours in a whirlwind 45 from 19 balls, which set the tone for the innings.
Lorcan Tucker top scored with 73 from just 39 balls (6 fours, 5 sixes) sharing a second wicket stand of 87 in 40 balls with Rankin, who cleared the ropes three times in his 34 from 22 deliveries.
Tyrone Kane (44) added 68 with Tucker, while Adam Dennison hit a breezy 17 in a totally emphatic Irish display.
Iain Cockbain's 59 from just 30 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes) saw Gloucestershire threaten briefly, but Shane Getkate (3-39) and Robert McKinley (2-27) kept them to 198 for 8, ensuring a 43 run win.
"The guys enjoy 20/20, as it allows them to free up and express themselves," said James Shannon. "It was great to be given the opportunity to open the batting today and I went out there and played with freedom, backing myself to play the way we've practised during the winter - it was nice that it came off.
Ireland Wolves complete their tour with another T20 clash against Gloucestershire Seconds on Sunday (10:30am) and Shannon expects a tough battle.
"They're obviously a tough side. We put in a quality performance against them today. I would imagine they will add a few players into their team to strenghten their depth. However, I'd hope with the two wins today to continue that upward peak and finish the tour with a win."
Match 1
Ireland Wolves 241-5 (20 overs; L Tucker 73, J Shannon 45, T Kane 44, D Rankin 34)
Gloucestershire 2nd XI 198-8 (20 overs; I Cockbain 59, J Garrett 28, S Getkate 3-39, R McKinley 2-27)
Ireland Wolves won by 43 runs
Match 2
Ireland Wolves 215-6 (20 overs; J Shannon 73, D Rankin 40, S Getkate 38*, S Singh 30, D Ford 3-24, S Mount 3-31)
Bath CC 166-9 (20 overs; C Brain 36, S Mount 31, P Muchall 30, N Smith 2-28, T Kane 2-29, S Singh 2-31)
Ireland Wolves won by 49 runs