Max Sorensen proved the hero for Ireland A as they won a thrilling encounter with their Scottish counterparts by 33 runs.
Sorensen took 4 for 66 to bowl the Irish to victory, after Safyaan Sharif’s superb century looked as if it would be a match winning one for the hosts.
Sharif hit 10 fours and 8 sixes in his magnificent unbeaten 133 from just 124 balls before he ran out of partners – Sorensen fittingly yorking last man Ihtisham Malik.
Set 385 to win in 81 overs Scotland attacked from the off and were always ahead of the required rate.
Scottish captain Craig Wallace made a typically quickfire 88 from 91 balls ( 8 fours, 1 six) after Owais Shah (38) and Michael English (23) had alid the foundations for the chase.
Scotland’s downfall was the fact that they tended to lose wickets in pairs, leaving them always chasing the game.
Earlier Ireland added 139 runs in just 13 overs to set up the declaration – skipper McBrine clearing the ropes six times in his 72 from just 55 balls.
He added 109 in just 15 overs with the impressive James McCollum who struck 8 boundaries in a stylish 79.
The game proved a magnificent advertisement for cricket at this level with plenty for both coaches to be encouraged by.
A special word of praise for the Ayr groundstaff who produced a track that yielded 1309 runs over the three days.
The match will live long in the memory – particularly for Sean Terry’s epic unbeaten 251 on the first day.
IRELAND A v SCOTLAND A
At New Cambusdoon Ayr, Day 3, close of play.
IRELAND A 400/4 dec (S Terry 251*) and 271/6 dec (J McCollum 79, A McBrine 72, J Shannon 63, H Aslam 3-57)
SCOTLAND A 287 (T Bruce 70, A McBrine 5-71) and 351 all out (73.4 overs, S Sharif 133*, C Wallace 88, M Sorensen 4-66, G McCarter 2-29, Y Ali 2-93)
Ireland A beat Scotland A by 33 runs
Yes
Connaught
