DARREN Robinson recorded his third consecutive century to bat Ireland out of a one-sided match.

Following his AXA and Benson and Hedges hundreds off Sussex, he faced 129 balls and hit 13 fours and a six before the Irish bowlers at least had the consolation of dismissing the Essex opener, which is more than Sussex managed.

Robinson was not alone in the onslaught. Stuart Law was in equally fluent form until rather carelessly edging to the wicketkeeper to give Ryan Eagleson a wicket. Eagleson deserved some reward for the one set of bowling figures which were better than respectable.

Both Nasser Hussain and Ronnie Irani plundered the wilting attack, with Hussain full of wristy elegance and Irani more muscular on his way to a 29-ball fifty. The late flurry of wickets did nothing to mask the enormity of Ireland's task.

Faced with the choice of making what would have undoubtedly been a futile attempt to score the runs or taking the opportunity of batting practice, Ireland chose the latter course.