This was the first of what turned out to be three matches against the South Africans. Incessant rain prevented play on the first day and, on the second morning, Melville sent the Irishmen in to bat on a drying wicket. This suited Athol Rowan admirably and, with his off-breaks, he took 9-39 in 22.5 overs, eight of which were maidens. The wickets fell with monotonous regularity and there was no stand of any note. By way of reply the South Africans scored 167-7 in 2½ hours. The wicket was no easier but Ingram, flighting the ball cleverly, had three wickets down for 20 - this included the wicket of OC Dawson whom the crowd clapped all the way to the wicket under the impression that he was Alan Melville.

Rowan (dropped once) and Harris put on 51 for the fourth wicket. Melville appeared at number seven and, with the dour Rowan, put on 55 for the sixth wicket. Although twice dropped behind the wicket Melville batted beautifully - his strokeplay being fluent and superb. His 58 not out occupied only 51 minutes. Rowan's 39 took 2 hours. Begbie is reputed to have been bowled by Hill while he was surveying the field.