Scotland 190 A spirited second spell by speedster Dwaynne McGerrigle combined with tight bowling support from medium-pacer Joe Morrissey and spinner Neil Anderson inspired Ireland to this 23-run International Youth Tournament victory over Scotland at St. John's Field yesterday.

The win maintained Ireland's unbeaten record after three games while Scotland's defeat was their first in four matches.

Although eventually falling short of the target, Scotland did manage to scare their opponents early in the innings.

Thanks to a flourishing opening stand of 72 between Fraser Watts (30) and Greg Butchart (34), the Scots appeared to be cruising. But matters were soon to deteriorate.

The openers' stand ended when Watts was dismissed, out lbw to skipper Joe Clinton, and further soon set in.

With the addition of just 11 runs, Butchart was bowled by Anderson and the pendulum soon swung heavily in favour of Ireland when four further wickets fell with the score reading 138-6.

Some adventurous batting by left-hander Scott Dempsie (25) suggested that Scotland could still pull it off, but when he was brilliantly snapped up by the diving point fielder Ed Joyce off McGerrigle, their hopes all but faded with the score on 163-7.

Euan Stubbs (21) attempted to revive his side with few capable partners left it was just a matter of time before they folded.

McGerrigle finished with four for 42 off seven overs while Morrissey had two for 21 off eight overs and Anderson two for 21 off 10 overs, including four maidens.

Ireland, who on Sunday hammered Bermuda's bowlers for 285 runs, were once again in a festive batting mood and reached a formidable 213 for nine.

David Finlay spearheaded the run spree with an entertaining knock of 58 off 66 balls, striking a six and four fours.

Ireland's innings, though, was stabilised by a sound opening stand of 57 that saw Simon Carruthers and Morrissey put on 57. Carruthers faced 68 balls and hit four fours in a score of 34 while his partner struck 26 after facing just 38 balls.

Also among the runs were Shane Moore with 32 and McGerrigle 12.

Medium-pacer Butchart was the leading bowler for Scotland with four for 40 off nine overs while off-spinner Ross Mitchinson finished with two for 22 off five overs.

RUN OUT -- Ireland's opening batsman Joe Morrissey makes a valiant diving attempt to scamper home but is ruled out much to the delight of Scotland wicketkeeper Euan Stubbs during yesterday's IYT match at St. John's Field.

Ireland won by 23 runs.