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Ireland’s Under 17’s made it two wins out of two with another comprehensive victory over their Dutch counterparts in Cork.
Batting first Ireland got off to a slow start and found themselves in trouble at 24-3 before two brilliant centuries from Fiachra Tucker and Jamie Grassi saw Ireland post 296-4 from their 50 overs.

In reply the Dutch never looked like getting close to the target, losing wickets at regular intervals before eventually being bowled out for just 78.

When openers Stephen Doheny (6) and Rory Anders (14) both fell to Dukker in the sixth over, and Paddy Beverland failed to trouble the scorers when he fell in the next over it looked like the Netherlands were coming back strong after a heavy defeat yesterday.

Tucker and Grassi had other ideas though, joining forces to post an incredible 266-run partnership, with Grassi remaining unbeaten on 111 after striking 15 fours.

Tucker almost joined Grassi in ending the innings unbeaten, but he became Dukker’s third victim when he was caught with just three balls left in the innings.

Rory Anders and Josh Little struggled to find a breakthrough opening the bowling, ending with just one wicket between them for 50 runs, leaving Fionn Hand the opportunity to pick up three quick wickets to finish with figures of 3-14.

Ross McCay was the other bowler to really impress ending with figures of 3-11 as the Netherlands capitulated as they tried to stay ahead of the ever increased required rate. Coming on close to the end, Morgan Topping also ended the match with the impressive figures of 2-1 from just 1.3 overs to finish off the match with two wickets in two balls.

The final game of the three match ICC Europe Challenge takes place tomorrow morning at the Mardyke in Cork, when the sides meet in the only T20 match of the series before the Netherlands return home in the evening. The match starts at 11am and you can follow the action on twitter through @irelandcricket.


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