Ireland continue winning ways

Ireland followed up their victory in the 50-over Women's European Championships by winning the inaugural Twenty20 event at Rathmines. They defeated Netherlands in the title decider, chasing down a challenging 116 with the loss of just one wicket and with 6.3 overs to spare.

Clare Shillington stroked an unbeaten 58 from 49 balls, striking eight fours and a six, as Netherlands were made to pay for dropping her of the very first ball of the chase. Shillington was particularly strong through the covers and square of the wicket initially, before favouring the square leg and midwicket regions later in her innings.

Isobel Joyce and Shillington put on a rapid 56 in six overs, with Joyce smashing 35 from just 18 balls. Once Joyce went, caught at short midwicket pulling Mandy Kornet, Shillington grasped the mantle and dominated a stand of 60 in seven overs with Cecelia Joyce.

In the Netherlands total of 115 for 6, the main partnership was the fifth-wicket stand of 60 between Marijn Nijman (29*), and Miranda Veringmeier (27), taking their side from a precarious 53 for 4 to 113 for 5. The pair played some powerful strokes, particularly down the ground, and kept the Irish fielders under pressure. The pick of the Irish bowlers were Amy Kenealy and Eimear Richardson with two wickets apiece.

In the first match of the day, Netherlands beat Scotland by 38 runs. Batting first they piled up 138 for 7, with six of their top seven batters reaching double figures. Catherine Odoulf top scored with 33, and was ably supported by Marijn Nijman (22) and Mandy Kornet (19*). Scotland bowled reasonably well, but were not backed by the fielders, who turned in a sloppy performance.

Scotland were never in serious contention in the run chase, as Kari Anderson (34) ploughed a lonely furrow. She faced 52 balls, and struck just the one boundary. None of the other Scottish batters managed to reach double figures, and their final total of 100 was down mainly to the generosity of the Dutch attack, who bowled 28 wides. Marloes Braart though, managed an excellent braveheart effort of 3 for 13.

The game between Ireland and Scotland went the hosts' way as they won comprehensively by 86 runs. Their total of 148 for 2 was based around yet another fine batting display from the top order. The Joyce sisters were the heaviest scorers - Isobel top scoring with 46 from 42 balls, and Cecelia hitting an unbeaten 35 at exactly a run-a-ball.

Clare Shillington (26) shared an opening stand of 66 with Isobel Joyce, before being bowled by 16 year old Lynne Dickson, who also had Isobel Joyce brilliantly caught behind by Lorna Jack. That was to the end of the Scottish success, as Eimear Richardson (31*) shared an unbroken stand of 62 with Cecelia Joyce.

Scotland made little attempt to chase the Irish score, creeping to 62 for 7 in the allotted overs, with only Kari Anderson trying to force the pace. She hit three fours in an over from Ciara Metcalfe on her way to 16 in rapid time.

Her demise, caught behind by Valmai Gee off Metcalfe resulted in Scotland batting out the overs, getting in some match practice. Amy Kenealy took three wickets in quick succession to finish with 3 for 15, while Ciara Metcalfe bounced back superbly from the Anderson onslaught to finish with 2 for 16.

Eimear Richardson of Ireland was named player of the tournament, while Netherlands collected the 'Spirit of Cricket' award.