IRELAND'S Under 15 cricketers lost the opening match of the JCB Cricket Festival despite a five-star performance from Gavin Hoey.

The Pembroke seamer - son of former Irish senior international Conor - claimed five wickets for 25 runs to have English county side Hampshire in deep trouble at 79 for 6 and 125 for 8.

Hoey exploited the helpful conditions to produce a first-class display of seam bowling in his two spells, but Hampshire staged a late fight-back as the Irish youngsters struggled in sweltering conditions which reached 30 Celsius against their older opponents.

Harry Gadd top scored with 44, with George Metzger (26) and Ajeet Dale (24) helping their side recover to 175.

Seanan Jones (1-28) and Cian Nulty (1-32) were the other successful bowlers for Ireland - excellent fielding having gained them three run-outs.

The Irish reply struggled against Hampshire's quartet of genuinely quick seamers, and despite weathering an early onslaught to reach 50 for 3, that was as good as it got - the last seven wickets tumbling for 61 to be dismissed for 111.

Seanan Jones top scored with 24, with Kyle Magee (15) the only other player to make it past double figures.

Oliver Southon (3-11), Ajeet Dale (3-20) and Jack Campbell (2-18) were the most successful of the Hampshire attack.

Ireland are back in action again tomorrow (TUE) when they face Cheshire.

JCB CRICKET FESTIVAL

At FB Fields, ST Helier Jersey

HAMPSHIRE Under 16s 175 all out (49.4 overs; H Gadd 44, G Metzger 26, A Dale 24, G Hoey 5-25)

IRELAND U15s 111 all out (36.2 overs; S Jones 24, K Magee 15, O Southon 3-11, A Dale 3-20, J Campbell 2-18)

Hampshire won by 64 runs