Ireland got the better of the England amateur X1 by four runs to keep their triple crown hopes alive in Scotland yesterday. Stephen Smyth's 37 proved to be equal top score in an innings of fits and starts. Ed Joyce recorded his second successive duck as Ireland lost three wickets in as many overs to seamer Charlie Dagnell before captain Angus Dunlop and Peter Gillespie restored order with a solid 60 for the fifth wicket.

Ryan Eagleson removed both Malcolm Roberts and Giles Ecclestone after Gordon Cooke had made the initial breakthrough courtesy of a generous lbw decision.

A lack of pace in the surface then undid David Clarke, who offered a return catch off the leading edge. It was left-armer Dwyer who turned the game decisively towards Ireland when he claimed the wicket of former Surrey lefthander, Jon Robinson, for 47 in his final over.

At the end of the final over, Cooke produced a perfect Yorker to prevent last man Keith Arnold hitting a six that was needed to win.

Tidy bowling and good work in the field at Linlithgow compensated for another patchy batting display by the Irish.