Ireland Under-19s produced a determined final-day batting display to secure a draw against Yorkshire Under-18s at Sheriff Hutton after being set a daunting 332 for victory.

The Irish youngsters closed on 256 for four from 57 overs, with Bobby Brolly and Ted Hasler leading a spirited rearguard action after Yorkshire had dominated much of the three-day contest.

Yorkshire’s first innings total of 339 was built around a superb 162 from Safiullah Abrar, although Ireland had threatened to dismiss the hosts for a much more manageable score when they reduced them to 195 for nine.

However, Abrar found a determined ally in last man Theo McLelland, who made an unbeaten 74 as the pair added a match-changing 144 for the final wicket.

Mark Donnelly eventually ended the resistance to finish with four for 77, while Mark Robinson claimed three wickets.

Ireland struggled in reply, with captain Sidharth Biju providing the main resistance with a half-century. Marko Bates made 23, but three wickets apiece for George Lamb and Ashwin Krishnan helped dismiss Ireland for 162.

Yorkshire opted against enforcing any immediate pressure with the ball, instead racing to 154 for three declared in their second innings. Lamb made an unbeaten 55, Joseph Hayes struck 40 and Aadil Naizam claimed two wickets.

That left Ireland requiring 332, but Brolly and Hasler quickly ensured Yorkshire would have to work hard for victory.

The opening pair shared a superb 144-run stand, Brolly making 77 and Hasler 66 to give Ireland genuine hope of saving the contest.

Sidharth Biju followed with 39 before Marko Bates and Gethin Kelleher safely negotiated the closing stages.

Bates finished unbeaten on 37 and Kelleher made 23 not out as Ireland reached 256 for four, completing an impressive fightback to ensure the three-day encounter finished in a draw.

Match drawn. 
Yorkshire Under-18s 339 (94.1 overs; MS Abrar 162, T McLelland 74*, G Lamb 23; M Donnelly 4-77, M Robinson 3-63) and 154-3 declared (31 overs; G Lamb 55*, JH Hayes 40, O Shepherd 25, A Krishnan 22; A Naizam 2-23). 
Ireland Under-19s 162 (51.3 overs; Sidharth Biju 50, M Bates 23; G Lamb 3-12, A Krishnan 3-23) and 256-4 (57 overs; B Brolly 77, T Hasler 66, Sidharth Biju 39, M Bates 37*, GJ Kelleher 23*; G Lamb 2-64).