Duo fire Ireland to title

31 July 2008

Ireland claimed the European Championship Division One title with a win over rivals Scotland after fine knocks from Andre Botha and Gary Wilson saw them to a seven-wicket victory in Dublin.

Kevin O’Brien secured the win with a stunning six over midwicket off the bowling of Gordon Drummond to ensure his side reached a revised Duckworth-Lewis target with 19 balls to spare.

Andre Botha saw Ireland home with 47 not out

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But while O’Brien provided that memorable image to take Ireland to 129 for three, it was the crucial innings of Wilson (51 from 66 balls) and Botha (47 from 43 balls) which underpinned the hosts’ efforts.

Scotland had earlier made 152 for nine in 35 overs, with captain Ryan Watson top-scoring with 50 at the top of the order.

Former England international Gavin Hamilton, Watson’s opening partner, was next highest with 21 as the Irish attack - inspired by a game-turning spell of three for 10 from seven Kyle McCallan overs - stemmed the runs.

William Porterfield fell to John Blain for just one to give the Scots hope but despite two further breakthroughs they never looked likely to take the title.