Ireland win European Under 23 title

Ireland won the Under 23 European Championships after a hard fought, and at times nail biting game against their fierce rivals, Scotland. Chasing 237 for victory, Conor Mullen scored an unbeaten 84 to rescue the Irish, after they needed 50 off the last 7 overs. Mullen made the most of a reprieve after being dropped when he had scored just 6. The hard hitting middle order bat hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in his 82 ball stay at the crease.

Gary Wilson scored his second half century of the tournament, hitting 4 boundaries in his 55. Kenny Carroll, who won the Player of the tournament, scored 25, and got the Irish off to a steady start. They got bogged down in the middle order, with the Scottish spin attack of Mohammad, Lyons and Haq all bowling well.

Earlier Hussein had rescued Scotland with a magnificent 84, hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes, while he was given good support by Umair Mohammad, who scored 35. The pair added 60 for the 7th wicket, after Scotland were reeling at 121 for 6.

The Irish new ball attack impressed, with Boyd Rankin and Kevin O Brien each taking 3 wickets, and now look certain to be named in the Senior squad for the upcoming European Championships.

The Netherlands secured second place in the competition after they beat Denmark by 62 runs in a high scoring encounter at Malahide.

Eric Szwarsynski was the unluckiest player of the day-he played on having made 99, and was clearly distraught at missing out on a century. Peter Borren smashe 69, but it could have been all so different, had Chawla not missed a regulation catch before he had got off the mark. The Netherlands ended up their innings on a formidable 300 for 8.

All credit to the Danes, who despite losing early wickets to the impressive Kohli, fought back well to score 238 for 9 in their allotted overs. Skipper Yasir Iqbal again impressed with the bat, scoring a superb 75 not out, the highlight of which was a straight six to bring up his half century.

The Danish batting has been solid throughout the tournament, and with a little work on their fielding, they have the potential to become a competitive side.
At the presentation ceremony, Scotland received the Spirit of Cricket Award, while Kenny Carroll, who averaged 94.50 with the bat, picked up the Player of the Tournament accolade.