IRELAND WENT storming clear at the top of the Division One table at the World Cricket League in the Netherlands yesterday, beating old foes Scotland by five wickets on a tricky surface at Vorburg.

Ireland skipper Trent Johnston won a vital toss and inserted the Scots on a pitch that offered the bowlers plenty with its variable bounce and movement. Ireland’s seamers proved virtually unplayable, with Scotland being reduced to 40 for five in the 20th over.

Nigel Jones started the decline when he ran out Preston Mommson for four and the Civil Service North all-rounder would go on to remove key man Richie Berrington and Moneeb Iqbal to finish on two for 19 from his 10 overs.

Neil McCallum was the only Scottish batsman to apply himself in the conditions, making 49 from 94 balls and sharing in a 59-run stand with Dougie Lockhart for the sixth wicket. Andrew White ran out Lockhart for 19 with a direct hit to start off another Scottish collapse as they lost their last five wickets for just 18 runs to close on 117. Johnston finished with two for 18 from his 10 overs, while Alex Cusack gave away just nine runs in 50 deliveries.

Ireland knew they would have to be cautious against a similar style bowling attack, although debutant Andrew Balbirnie was unlucky to go for just one as the ball seemed to hit his body and not the bat on the way through the wicketkeeper. Alex Cusack went to Matt Parker’s next delivery to leave Ireland 12 for two, but Paul Stirling hit seven boundaries in a vital knock of 37 from 43 balls.

His departure heralded a mini-collapse as Andrew Poynter and White followed cheaply, but Kevin O’Brien (41 not out) and John Mooney (21 not) forged an unbeaten 55-run stand to get Ireland home with 94 balls remaining.

Next up tomorrow is a clash against Canada.