Ireland Under 19’s regained the series lead with a comfortable six wickets win against the Northern Titans Academy in Pretoria.

Yet again early morning conditions helped the bowlers, with Pete Johnston’s side taking advantage this time.

Balbriggan seamer Eoin Birch (2-17) struck early, and two wickets for CSNI off-spinner Harry Dyer soon had the tourists in the ascendancy.

Opener Martin top-scored with 79 (2 fours, 6 sixes) as he and Bouwer (32) added 61 for the fourth wicket before the dismissal of the latter by Birch sparked  a collapse from 116 for 3 to 180 all out.

There were two wickets also for The Hills’ Matthew Weldon (2-13), as well as one apiece for Ollie Riley, Scott Macbeth and Jordan Neill.

The chase was a solid one, with two significant partnerships and all six batsmen making double figures.

Ryan Hunter (11) went relatively cheaply, but a second wicket stand of 60 between Neill (49) and Aaron McGeehan (24) laid an excellent platform.

Although both went in quick succession, skipper Philippe Le Roux and Scott MacBeth (22) all but ensured the win with a fourth wicket partnership of 62.

Railway Union batsman Le Roux continued his excellent form with an unbeaten 45, ensuring victory with Macdara Cosgrave (11*).

The sides meet again on Wednesday in the fourth and final match of the keenly contested series at the same venue.

Scorecard