Ireland claim five-wicket victory over Scots

Ireland coasted to a five-wicket victory against a gutsy Scottish outfit today to keep their dreams of being crowned European…

Ireland coasted to a five-wicket victory against a gutsy Scottish outfit today to keep their dreams of being crowned European champions alive.

Adrian Birrell's side had to overhaul the highest total of the tournament so far after Scotland posted 200 for six in their 50 overs in Holland.

But the result was seldom in doubt after Jeremy Bray, Jason Molins, Peter Gillespie and Andrew White all registered over 30 as the Irish cruised home with three overs to spare.

Ireland go into tomorrow's clash with Denmark knowing a win would give them a shot at winning the title for the second time in their history - providing the English Cricket Board XI slip up. Scotland face the ECB on Friday with a mid-table finish the best they can hope for.

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Scotland's Colin Smith and Gregor Maiden failed to hit the heights, with both dismissed cheaply as Ireland piled on the pressure early on.

But the Scottish middle order soon turned the game on its head, with Bruce Patterson chipping in with a measured 40 before departing run out.

But it was vice captain Ryan Watson who caught the eye with a stunning 88 not out, including a number of hefty blows as he upped the tempo in a furious last few overs.

All-rounder White was the pick of the bowlers - ending on 3-38 from his nine overs before taking centre stage with the bat.

In reply, Ireland set about their task in style with Bray and skipper Molins both in commanding form as Birrell's side kept pace with the run rate of four an over.

Bray was eventually caught behind off Watson for a quick-fire 39, with Molins falling three runs short of his half-century.

The inspired Watson kept the Scots in the hunt with the wickets of Botha (6) and Gillespie (32), but Ireland were always in control.

In-form White was eventually stumped for 43 after dancing down the wicket to spinner Gregor Maiden while trying to engineer an early finish - but the Irish marched on to victory.

PA