Ireland had to accept the Triple Crown wooden spoon yesterday after seeing victory against Scotland wrenched from their grasp at East Grinstead by tail-ender Gregor Maiden.

Even the more pessimistic Irish fans were experiencing a strange feeling of expectation when Maiden walked to the wicket with his team 88 for 7 in pursuit of Ireland's total of 211 all out.

But Maiden was having none of it. Hitting nine fours in his 79 not out from only 70 balls, he added an unbeaten 126 with Craig Wright to see Scotland home with three wickets and nine balls in hand.

It was rough justice on Adrian McCoubrey and Jordan McGonigle, who bowled well for three wickets apiece, but Ireland had only their batsmen to blame for not putting the match beyond the Scottish.

Peter Davy top-scored with 53, but under instructions to bat through the innings, he was bowled hoiking to leg. Dom Joyce ran himself out for eight, Kyle McCallan directed a catch to gully and Peter Gillespie holed out to long on when going well on 32.

England XI completed a clean sweep with victory over Wales to claim the Triple Crown title.