Under-19s claim European title despite loss to Scotland

CRICKET: IRELAND'S UNDER-19 side claimed the European Championship and a place in the final stage of World Cup qualifying despite losing their final game of the tournament to Scotland in Jersey yesterday.

The 62-run defeat at Grainville meant there was a three-way tie on points with Scotland and the Netherlands at the top of the table, but Ireland’s performances in their four earlier wins in the tournament meant they came out on top when the nett run rates were calculated.

Indeed, Scotland’s day was to end on a low note at they were pipped for the second place at September’s World Cup qualifier by the Dutch, who brought up their fourth win against Guernsey.

The Irish side will be unhappy to have lost their unbeaten record on the final day after bowling Scotland out for 179. Shane Getkate was again successful with the new ball, removing both openers, while spinners Lee Nelson (two for 44) and Andrew Balbirnie (three for 26) were again to the fore.

The Scots were indebted to a fine innings of 52 from Craig Wallace, who pushed them on from 109 for six to a defendable target.

Balbirnie and senior international Paul Stirling got Ireland off to a fine start, but the game would turn in 12 deliveries before the lunch interval as they both departed, along with Ben Ackland, to leave them on 51 for three.

James Shannon kept his head while the rest of the middle-order departed, carving out an innings of 37 from 63 deliveries before offering a return catch to Matthew Parker to leave Ireland on 112 for nine. Craig Young went in the next over as the innings closed on 117.

Ireland’s Under-15s also suffered defeat, as Jersey claimed a 68-run upset in the opening game of their European Championship campaign in Forfar.

Meanwhile, the Ireland A side proved far too strong for Croatia in their Twenty20 clash at Claremont Road yesterday as they ran out winners by 133 runs.

A number of the Irish batsmen retired after filling their boots, with Chris Dougherty (51), Niall McDonnell (50) and Brian Shields (60) all making half-centuries as they hit 230 off their 20 overs.

Michael Griznic made a valiant 54 not out in Croatia’s reply, with left-arm spinner Gary Kidd taking three wickets in one over as the visitors finished on 97 for seven.