Ireland Under-15s made a winning start to the Castle Barnard Festival with a convincing six-wicket victory over Huntingdonshire Cricket Board.

A disciplined bowling display dismissed Huntingdonshire for 117 before Ireland raced to victory in just 15 overs.

Ballyspallen's Jacob Blair was the outstanding performer with the ball, claiming four for 19. His spell broke the back of the innings after Huntingdonshire had recovered from the early loss of Burdett.

Gandhi and Sayer shared the most productive partnership, making 21 and 27 respectively, but both fell with the score on 62. 

Blair removed Davey, ByresBlevis, Hearfield and Parker, while Elliott Parkhill returned an excellent two for five. Jude Waryck, Fintan McCarthy and David Agnew also claimed wickets before Alfie Moan completed the innings with his fourth delivery.

Ireland attacked the chase positively despite the retirement of Felix McMillan on five. Joe Morrissey made 17 before Alfie Moan and Vidath Geddam put the result beyond doubt with a brisk partnership.

Geddam struck 23 before being caught off Sullivan, while Callum Lowe fell without scoring. Moan remained unbeaten on 26 and Agnew was three not out when the winning runs arrived.

Ireland’s aggressive approach forced Huntingdonshire’s bowlers into mistakes, with 23 extras helping the total along. Parker claimed two wickets, while Sullivan and  Plumber Coles took one apiece.

The comprehensive victory provided an encouraging opening to the festival, with Blair’s accuracy and Moan’s composed unbeaten innings ensuring Ireland began their campaign in impressive fashion.