A sparsely populated pavilion betrayed a belief among MCC members that England would wrap up a quick kill on the third day. As it was, the hosts were made to toil for their latest victory, Ireland pushing proceedings well into the second half of the FA Cup final and underlining why a nation holds its breath over the fitness of Ben Stokes.
Mark Adair and Andy McBrine were the source of English graft in bright sunshine, coming together before the break lunch and producing a seventh-wicket partnership of 163 from 27.3 overs.
An overall record for their country, it was packed full of impish fun and had both men dreaming of a place on the honours boards.
Neither made it, however, Adair removed for a 76-ball 88 and McBrine left high and dry on 86 not out, the signwriters instead switching their attention to Josh Tongue and sparkling figures of five for 66 on debut.