Australia A cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the second one-day international game at Waringstown yesterday.

In only 30.3 overs, opener Michael Hussey, who began his innings taking 23 off Gordon Cooke's first two overs, led the way and was unbeaten on 78, hitting nine fours and two sixes.

He was supported by skipper di Venuto, 22, and Andrew Symonds,28 not out. Spinner, McCallan, who claimed both wickets for 33 runs in his 10 overs, was Ireland's best bowler.

Earlier, Australian Test bowler, Andy Bichel, tore the heart out of Ireland's top order when he dismissed Neil Carson on his second delivery and then had Stephen Smyth and Steve Waugh caught off successive balls an over later, leaving Ireland 10 for 3.

At 42 for five, skipper Angus Dunlop, who top-scored with a fine 57 including seven boundaries, was joined by Cooke and in 12 overs they doubled the score.

Dunlop was eighth out at 99 to spinner Colin Miller, who at this stage had taken three for nine in four overs. Paul Moody with a well played unbeaten 24 and Jonathan Bushe on 10, added 32 precious runs for the ninth wicket to give respectability to the total at 138.