McBrine shines in win

North County all-rounder Shane Getkate top scored with 47, sharing in a fourth wicket stand of 81 with Donemana’s Andy McBrine (41) after Ireland had made their by now traditional slow start - 35 for 3 in this instance.

Tyrone Kane batted with purpose to get Ireland up to 185 for 8 making an undefeated 39 from 49 balls, while there were useful cameos late on from Scott Campbell (16) and Adam Coughlan (10*).

Nepal’s battery of left arm bowlers kept Ireland in check for the majority of the innings with boundaries being at a premium.

Prithu Baskota, Rahul Vishvakarma, Bhuvan Karki and Avinash Karn each picked up two wickets.

The Irish bowling has impressed in the tournament thus far and today was no exception with skipper George Dockrell the stand-out performer. The Somerset left-armer claimed four wickets for 22 to put Ireland firmly in the driving seat.

Vishvakarma (32), Khakurel (31), Airee (29) and Baskota (20) all got starts, but none were able to kick on and produce a half century which would have won the game for their side.

Another North West man Graeme McCarter (2-31) and Adam Coughlan (2-39) both bowled well, while Tyrone Kane (1-13) took the final wicket to seal the 14 run win.

Despite the win Ireland will more than likely join Nepal in the Plate Competition, although the victory will probably mean an easier draw in the first round.