Watch: Dog steals ball in Ireland domestic game, receives strokes from batter

Watch: There was a hilarious moment in an Irish domestic women’s game, when a furry pitch invader momentarily interrupted the All-Ireland semi-final between Bready and CSNI at Bready Cricket Club.

The moment occurred in the ninth over of CSNI’s chase of 74, with the game reduced to 12 overs a side by rain. Abbi Leckey played the ball behind square on the off-side, and almost had the chance of an overthrow as wicketkeeper Rachel Hepburn missed her shy at the stumps, only for an amusing intrusion to bring play to a halt.

A dog, desperate to get in on the action, sprinted onto the outfield, with leash still attached but no owner in sight, picking up the ball before haring off, evading fielders as they went. Soon enough a spectator appeared, sprinting onto the playing area in pursuit. By the time he caught up with the escaped pet, the dog had come to rest, accepting strokes from non-striker Aoife Fisher, and finally letting go of the ball.

Bready went on to claim victory and a place in the All-Ireland final.