Ireland's women cricketers' bid to win the European Cup for the first time narrowly failed at Nykobing in Denmark yesterday when they lost by two wickets to England A, even though the two sides were pretty evenly matched.

Batting first, Ireland totalled a modest 108 for 8 off the 50 overs. Top scorer was opening bat Clare O'Leary with 22, while skipper Miriam Greally hit 21.

England met the winning target in the 48th over, for the loss of eight wickets. Clare Shillington bowled impressively, to take 2 wickets for only 12 runs.

Ireland 108 for 8 (50 overs) (C O'Leary 22, M Greally 21, C Beggs 15, D Holden 3 for 29, K Williams 2 for 17); England A 109 for 8 (47.5 overs) (K Lowe 20, E Donnison 19, C Shillington 2 for 12, C Medcalf 2 for 33). England A won by 2 wkts.

Ireland had to be satisfied with the runners-up spot in the European colts tournament after a five-wicket defeat by England in yesterday's final in Belfast.

Under-19 tournament (Belfast) - Ireland 190-8 (A O Prey 43, C Armstrong 47, P Shields 24, M Gitschen 3-52, R Ferley 2-27) England 185-5 (N Peng 54, M Wallace 33, G Pratt 24;, C Armstrong 4-33). England (set revised target of 184 off 48 overs due to rain stoppage) won by 5 wkts.