IRELAND U15s were denied a clean sweep at the Barnard Castle Festival after winning their first four matches but losing the fifth to The Netherlands by 26 runs in the north-east of England.

Both sides were unbeaten going into the final but it was Ireland who seized the initiative by dismissing the Dutch for 182 with Shravon Biju, Jacob Blair and Callum Armstrong bagging two wickets each.

Victory was there for the taking as Armstrong, the son of former international Conor added 72 for the first wicket with Ted Hasler, of Railway Union.

But that’s as good as it got for Ireland. 

Luuk Molkenboer claimed 5-40 and Karson Edward took 3-30 as the wheels came off the reply.

What will be particularly galling for the Ireland coaching staff, as they go home potless, is that there were 14.1 overs remaining when their charges were bowled out for 156.