IRELAND'S Under 15 cricketers finished the Jersey Cricket Board Festival on a winning note after beating Hampshire by seven runs to clinch the third spot in the prestigious event.

Tight finishes have been the feature of the week and yet again this was another contest that went to the wire as Ireland kept their nerve to seal the win.

Reece Malone top scored with 49, sharing a second wicket stand of 81 with JJ Garth (48) after the early wicket of Marcus Poskitt.
Jack Carson chipped in with 21 as Ireland finished on 194 all out.

George Pardoe (39), Jacob Fay (38) and Gabe Broadhurst (32) were all among the runs as Hampshire threatened to chase down the Irish total.

However spinners Jack Cason (3-39) and Kyle Magee (2-25) kept a tight grip on proceedings and with Cian Nulty (2-27) also among the wickets, Ireland got over the line.

There was further good news as JJ Garth was awarded the 'Performance of the Week' for his 6 for 24 against Jersey earlier in the week.

Reflecting on the week, Head Coach Simon Johnston said: "It's been a fantastic tournament for the youngsters. The cricket has been tough against older sides with close matches throughout. We've played some really good cricket this week and it's been a great learning curve for all. To play six matches in five days in sweltering conditions has been a great test of their fitness and resolve but they've coped admirably.

"We've come out the right side of some results with two great wins over Hampshire but lost thrillers against Cheshire and Jersey. The bowling unit did well under pressure, while the fielding was also first-class throughout. There are areas of the batting that could be improved and we'll take that on board for next year. Overall it's been a superb event and I'd like to thank our hosts Jersey for all their efforts."

JERSEY CRICKET BOARD FESTIVAL,

At Grainville, 3/4 place play-off

IRELAND 194 all out (50 overs, R Malone 49, JJ Garth 48, J Carson 21, A Dale 4-42)

HAMPSHIRE 187 all out (49.3 overs, G Pardoe 39, J Fay 38, G Broadhurst 32, J Carson 3-39, K Magee 2-25, C Nulty 2-27)

Ireland beat Hampshire by 7 runs