Cricket:Ireland comprehensivley beat Canada by an innings and 115 runs to retain the Intercontinenal Cup at Leicestershire's Grace Road today.
Trent Johnson's side had set a target of 352 all out from 94.4 overs in their first innings after starting the day from 250 for three.
From there Ireland set about bowling at Canada for the remainder of the day. As the afternoon wore on there was little doubt this four-day final would end before reaching the midpoint. And so it proved as Canada were all out for 145 off 36.5 overs in their second innings.
Johnson and his deputy Kyle McCallan carried the greatest threat between the stumps as they took eight wickets between them. That said, it was Dave Langford-Smith's solitary wicket which give Ireland the early momentum.
And before long Canada were 54 for four then 81 for five when Qaiser Ali was out for six from the last ball (McCallan) before tea.
After the break it was only a matter of time before Ireland successfully retained the Cup.
Earlier Umar Bhatti had picked up five Irish wickets for 85, when all of a sudden, Ireland looked to have a match on their hands again. It proved to be a false dawn.