Ireland make record score

Ireland set a new European U23 record score as they defeated Denmark by 194 runs at sunny Clontarf. A perfect batting strip coupled with a lightning fast outfield saw the Irish amass 385 for 8 in their 50 overs. An opening stand of 187 between skipper William Porterfield, and the in form Kenny Carroll gave Ireland the perfect platform from which to accumulate that mammoth score.

Carroll was in particularly brutal mood, smashing 16 boundaries in reaching his century, which came off just 77 balls. There was to be no respite for the Danes, as Kevin O? Brien continued in the same mode, reaching his 50 off just 28 deliveries,. He hit 7 fours and a six in making 60, before being bowled by Quershi. Porterfield was slightly more circumspect, content to build his score by quick singles. The positiveness of the Irish running was a feature of the innings with every opportunity to obtain runs taken. Porterfield was eventually dismissed for 113, which took 119 balls and contained 5 boundaries.

With overs running out, Ireland lost a succession of wickets, with Wilson, 28, and Riddles, 20, being the other contributors of note. Uddin, 3-64, and Yasir Iqbal, 2-52, were the best of the Danish attack.

Denmark were content to use their innings for batting practice. They were hampered by a leg injury to yesterday?s centurion, Zeeshan Shah, which meant he batted at 7. Six of the Danes reached double figures in their total of 191 all out, with just 2 balls unused. Jeeveratnam top scored with 34, Quershi made 33 off 44 balls, while Hayat scored 29 and Yasir Iqbal 27.

The Irish fielding was top drawer, in complete contrast to the Danish, and they effected 3 run outs. The champagne moment was a spectacular leaping catch by Gary Wilson to dismiss Zaman. Kenny Carroll with 3-40 completed a fine all round performance, while Gary Kidd took 2-37. Kevin O Brien 1-8, was the other wicket taker.

The Irish will be missing William Porterfield tomorrow, as he has to travel to England for his graduation ceremony, and there are concerns over Boyd Rankin who had to leave the field with a rib injury.

In the other game, Netherlands completed a fine 107 run win over Scotland, at North County. In ideal conditions, the Scots would have been fairly pleased to have restricted their opponents to 236. Maarten Mol and Van Everdingen, who both scored half centuries the previous day, were also among the runs today. They made 35 and 33 respectively, sharing in a 58 run stand for the 3rd wicket.

Seelaar with 37, and Maurits Jonkman, 30, also made vital contributions, late on for their country. Four of the Scottish bowlers took 2 wickets, with Richie Berrington?s 2-17 being the most economical spell.

The Scots reply got off to a dreadful start, with both Brand and Qasim Sheikh falling with just 2 on the board. It didn?t get much better as they were reduced to 44 for 5, and from then on the game was virtually over. Andrew Hislop top scored with 27, while Murray scored 25, and Mohammad 20, as they were dismissed for just 127 in the 32nd over.Westdijk, 3-28, Mark Jonkman, 2-30, and Kashif 2-33, were the main reasons for their side?s excellent victory.