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Ireland defended their ICC Europe Under 15 title having completed a clean-sweep in the tournament with a hard fought 23 run win over Scotland at Rugby School today.
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Having won the toss and electing to bat first in humid conditions, Ireland opening batsman Jamie Grassi showed why he’s the leading run-scorer in the competition, blasting his way to a run a ball 59 at the top of the order having lost opening partner Sam Murphy (1) early on, who shipped it to cover on a wicket that was a touch slower than those earlier in the week.

Grassi responded to the dismissal of Murphy in the only way he knows how, a towering six over extra cover – the North County batsman again showed his all-around shot making ability as again he found the boundary with ease, scoring five 4s and four 6s.

After Sean Currie (2) was dismissed by Oliver Brown, Harry Tector (19) joined Grassi in the 10th over and together they put on 51 before Grassi was adjudged lbw to Appleton. Ireland captain Conor O’Gorman (21) and Graham Kennedy (27) both made good starts, while Stuart Nelson played some big shots in his 41 off 48 balls. But the loss of wickets stunted Ireland’s progress, after it looked like they were on course for a score of 250 at one stage.

When Nelson departed with the score on 202-7, Ireland lost their final three wickets for just three runs – all out for 214 in 45.4 overs.

In response Scotland got off to a great start with Rory Johnston (29) and Jamie Crawley (34) getting putting together an opening stand of 56. But the introduction of spinner Varun Chopra (2-25) into the attack made the vital breakthrough bowling Crawley in the 14th over.

Chopra picked up another in this very next over, as he bowled a very good spell in tandem with Morgan Topping (1-26) with the pair drying up the Scottish runs in the middle overs. That pressure told as Topping trapped Johnston lbw to leave Scotland on 70-3.

The game remained in the balance thereafter, with Scotland edging towards their target of 215, while the Ireland bowlers continued to chip away taking wickets regularly. But it was captain O’Gorman (4-46) that seized the initiative for his side with four wickets for his own as the pressure built on the Scotland lower-order.

Two run-outs in the 46th over sealed victory for Ireland with Scotland all out for 191.

Earlier in the week Ireland had recorded comfortable wins over Netherlands, Jersey and Guernsey, so finish top of the table with 8 points, ahead of Guernsey (4), Scotland (4), Netherlands (2), and Jersey (2).

Grassi topped the run scoring charts with 190, while Varyn Chopra finished third in the bowling stakes, taking 7 wickets in the 3 matches he played.

ICC EUROPE UNDER 15 CHAMPIONSHIPS At Rugby School: Full Scorecard

IRELAND 214 all out (Jamie Grassi 59, Stuart Nelson 41, Graham Kennedy 27 Conor O’Gorman 21, Oliver Brown 4-18)

SCOTLAND 191 all out (45.4 overs, Jamie Crawley 34, Finlay McCreath 30, Rory Johnston 29, Conor O’Gorman 4-46, Varun Chopra 2-25).

Ireland won by 23 runs and are Champions.

Final Table: