Mark Patterson      

Mark, after just two seasons in the Irish team, has become the latest of the relatively few Irish born players to embark on a career in county cricket. He impressed Surrey when he played against them in the Benson & Hedges Cup in Eglinton this year and, as a result, was invited over for a trial with them in August. He made his First Class Debut for Surrey, something he has yet to do for Ireland, when he played against South Africa "A" at the Oval. In his first innings bowling against them he took 6/80. Not alone were these figures better than anything he has yet produced for Ireland, they were, in fact, the best bowling figures for a Surrey Player on his first class debut! The result of this and no doubt other performances for Surrey is that he has been offered a contract for 1997.

Mark's performances for Ireland have also been excellent. He has proved to be that most valuable of players, a wicket taking bowler. He does concede runs, but then he is an attacking bowler first and foremost. Any bowler who will suddenly take wickets for a team is a very valuable commodity.

This year Mark has been joined in the Irish team by his brother Andrew, a batsman primarily but also a wicket-keeper at club level.

1997

Mark Patterson of Ireland bowling against Kenya in the ICC Trophy semi-final, Kuala Lumpur 1997

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