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.

Callum Armstrong took his second five-wicket haul of the week as Ireland Under15's made it four straight wins at the Barnard Castle Festival as they beat MACC Academy by eight wickets. The talented Rush all-rounder claimed 5 for 28 and Ballyspallen spinner Jacob Blair 3-31 as MACC were bowled out for 190 in the 48th over. That modest total was never going to be enough on a fast scoring ground and so it proved with Ted Hasler - another success story this past two weeks - top scoring with an unbeaten 62 sharing an opening stand of 114 with Armstrong, who hit ten boundaries in an even time 59. There were runs too for Marko Bates (14) and Donemana's Ryan McClintock who hit five fours and a six in a 26-ball 35 not out as Ireland clinched the win inside 34 overs.

Callum Armstrong was once again the star of the show as Ireland Under 15s made it three wins on the bounce with a five-wicket win against Cleveland Schools at the Barnard Festival. Cleveland were bowled out for 183 with four wickets for Ted Hasler - the Railway Union all-rounder another enjoying an excellent tour. Ballyspallen spinner Jacob Blair was also once again in the wickets, claiming two for 16. Ireland were in early trouble at 41-3, but Armstrong from Rush shared a fourth wicket stand of 102 with Balbriggan's Gautam Rana (27). Callum hit 13 fours a six in an unbeaten 86 as the Irish passed their target in the 30th over. They are back in action on Thurday when they face the MACC Academy.

Scotland gained a consolation win in Friday's final T20 of the series with a last over four-wicket win. Four Ireland batters got into the 20s - Callum Armstrong, David Agnew, Marko Bates, and Ted Hasler in a total of 120 for 5. It was nearly enough but Ben Hodge hit an unbeaten 52-ball 65 (3 fours, 3 sixes) to get the win with five balls to spare. Callum Armstrong (3-9) and Shravon Biju (2-21) were among the wickets for Ireland who now go to England to play in the Barnard Castle Festival next week.

Marko Bates hit 9 fours and 3 sixes in a brilliant 84 from just 60 balls to help Ireland beat Scotland. He shared a fifth wicket stand of 70 with Ted Hasler (20) in an Ireland total of 138 for 7. It was enough to seal a 14-run win as the hosts made 124 for 6, with Tom Lathorn scoring 27 and Ben Hodge 22. Ballyspallen spinner Jacob Blair took two wickets as did the ever-consistent Callum Armstrong.

It was a familiar story in the second match with Ireland clinching the Under 15 Celtic Cup with a game to spare. Jacob Blair (3-11) and Callum Armstrong (2-18) again in the wickets as Scotland were kept to 122 for 7 - runs for Ben Hodge (45) and Marcus Vila (22). Marko Bates again led from the front as he made another half century. His 55 not out (8 fours, 2 sixes) taking just 29 balls as he added 76 for the second wickets with Beau Donnison (27) , while there were runs also for Callum Armstrong (22) in the eight-wicket win.