Ireland finished fourth in the European cricket championship yesterday after losing yet again to Scotland - this time by four wickets at the HBS ground in the Hague.

Ireland have not beaten Scotland since 1993 but the jinx should have ended when Stephen Smyth and Jason Molins set up an impressive Ireland total of 242 for four.

However, as soon as Scotland began their reply it was clear they would hold on to their record. George Salmond's 57 helped post 86 for two after 15 overs and even wickets in successive overs by the irrepressible Matt Dwyer only briefly halted the victory charge.

A key moment was the neat stumping of Greig Williamson by young Irish wicket keeper Jonathan Bushe - but the square leg umpire did not give Williamson out. The Scot took out his relief on Greg Molins, smashing two of his four sixes off consecutive balls.

Scotland eventuallyeased home with 10 balls to spare.

The defeat was tough on Smyth who had struck eight boundaries before departing lbw for 93, and Jason Molins who ended with 70 not out.