Cricket European ChampionshipsIreland finished their European Championships campaign yesterday with a comfortable 109-run win over Denmark in Utrecht. Unfortunately, because they lost a bowl-out to the ECB XI on Sunday, Ireland only managed to finish second despite winning the rest of their games. How they would have relished a crack at the English and in this form, it is difficult to see how they would have lost, but the rain intervened and they were defeated 2-1 in the lottery that is a bowl-out.

But this Ireland side will take consolation from the fact they outclassed everyone they played this week and now have reasonable claims to be the best ICC Associate nation in Europe.

Ireland did not have it all their own way yesterday, however. They got off to a dodgy enough start, losing Jeremy Bray, caught at gully, for just two.

There was no panic, though, as Andre Botha strode to the crease. He and captain Jason Molins progressed steadily on a track that was doing plenty for the Danish seamers. With the early dew still lying on the lush Kampong CC grass, several drives from both Molins and Botha that would normally roll to the boundary held up in the outfield, costing Ireland probably 20 runs.

Then came some worrying moments. Botha played the ball onto his stumps from a Soren Vestergaard delivery and then Andrew White was out lbw to Vestergaard for a duck to leave Ireland at 83 for 3. White has been in such rich form that it was almost surreal to see him out without scoring.

White's departure marked a difficult time for Ireland and when skipper Molins was out soon after - again lbw to Vestergaard - the Irish found themselves at 85 for four with the Danish tails up.

The Danes were bowling with purpose and fielding with great enthusiasm. Kyle McCallan and Trent Johnston were put under great pressure as the overs ticked along. But the two were equal to the task and their partnership of 140 was a genuine highlight of these championships for Ireland.

Johnston is known for his big hitting but this was a restrained innings. Not that he was slow - his 83 came off just 70 balls - but early on, he and McCallan were impeccable, playing straight, easing the ball into the gaps, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Then, when they had demoralised a courageous Danish attack, they cut loose and put Ireland into a winning position. Hugely impressive.

Johnston's crucial contribution shows he is capable of building an innings in times of strife. As for McCallan, unbeaten on 64, he showed typical character while batting with Johnston.

Ireland's total of 265 was always going to be beyond Denmark, who have not won a match in the competition. Good bowling from Naseer Shoukat (1-18 off 10 overs), McCallan (2-35) and White (3-34) made sure of that. Only Vestergaard, who had taken four wickets earlier in the day, made a decent score with his 33, marking a good day for him but not for Danish