CRICKET/European Championship: Ireland were yesterday crowned European champions for the first time in 10 years even though inclement weather meant their match against the Netherlands at Ayr had to be abandoned.

It also completes a remarkable clean-sweep of European titles this summer for every Irish team from under-13 to senior, an unprecedented achievement and one that highlights the strength of the game's development in this country relative to other associate members of the ICC, who in global terms occupy the second tier of the game.

Yesterday's game against the Netherlands, which had full one-day international status, got off to a good start for the Irish after they had won the toss and decided to bat. Despite losing Jeremy Bray early, Ireland then made it to 93 before William Porterfield was caught and bowled by Peter Borren for 48.

Andre Botha (56) and Niall O'Brien (53) put on another 48 for the third wicket before Ireland lost two quick wickets. But important contributions from Andy White (24) and Kevin O'Brien (24) supported Kyle McCallan (50 not out) as the Waringstown man guided the team to a competitive total of 274 all out in 50 overs.

With rain in the air, the Dutch were set a revised target of 272 to win off 48 overs, and when the weather finally put an end to proceedings, the Irish were ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis method but one more over needed to be bowled to bring that into play.

At that stage, the Netherlands were on 125 for 5 after 19 overs and had they been given more time, they might have made a challenge. Following a solid start, making it to 29 without loss, the Dutch then lost four wickets for no runs to be reeling on 29 for 4, and, soon afterwards, 47 for 5 with David Langford-Smith capping a good tournament with three wickets.

But the Netherlands dug deep with Ryan ten Doeschate and Alexei Kervesee putting on an unbeaten and swashbuckling 78 for the sixth wicket.

But the weather called a halt to proceedings just as the game was getting interesting, and Ireland cannot be caught at the top of the table. This is Ireland's first win in the competition since the inaugural event in 1996, when Justin Benson led the team to victory.

"I'm delighted with how we have performed this week," said national coach Adrian Birrell. "We have showed that we were comfortably the best side in the tournament.

"It couldn't have gone better for us," he said.