IRELAND'S Under 15 cricketers came out the wrong side of yet another thrilling encounter in the Jersey Cricket Festival, losing to the hosts by an agonising three runs at Grainville.

This was depite the best efforts of JJ Garth who had the remarkable figures of 6 for 24. The Pembroke spinner bowled superbly as Jersey collapsed from 92 for 2 to 137 all out - losing their last 8 wickets for 45 runs.

Chris Thompson top scored for Jersey with 43 from 49 balls (7 fours), receiving good support from Zak Tribe (29).

The Irish looked weary after the exertions of the week, and the concession of 27 extras was to prove damaging in the low-scoring encounter.

Cian Nulty (1-13), Stuart Jackson (1-16), Jack Carson (1-18), and Gavin Hoey (1-28) were the other Irish wicket takers.

In reply, the Irish were soon in difficulty as the hostile opening attack of Daniel Birrell (3-18) and Ed Giles (3-25) extracted steepling bounce from the track to leave the Irish youngsters struggling.

Coleraine's Marcus Poskitt weathered the storm to stroke five boundaries in a fluent 38, finding a stubborn partner in Kyle Magee (12).

However, Jersey's attack kept taking wickets at regular intervals and despite 17 from Stuart Jackson and 14 from James Hunter, Ireland were dismissed for 134.

Julius Sumerauer (2-24) and Harrison Carlyon (2-25) were the other successful Jersey bowlers in a quite dramatic see-saw battle which yet again showcased the very best in not only talent but also spirit between evenly matched teams.

Jersey now take on Cheshire in Friday's final while Ireland take on Hampshire in the placings match.

JERSEY CRICKET BOARD FESTIVAL

At Grainville, St Helier, Jersey.

JERSEY U16'S 137 all out (31.3 overs; C Thompson 43, Z Tribe 29, JJ Garth 6-24)

IRELAND U15'S 134 all out (45 overs; M Poskitt 38, D Birrell 3-18, E Giles 3-25, J Sumerauer 2-24, H Carlyon 2-25)

Jersey beat Ireland by 3 runs