Scotland's dream team of Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Alan McManus last night lifted the Coalite Nations Cup at Reading's Hexagon Theatre.

In a repeat of their 1996 World Cup triumph, the Tartan trio defeated the Republic of Ireland 6-2 to re-establish themselves as snooker's top potting country.

Beaten by Wales in the 1999 final and not even qualifying from the group stages 12 months ago, it finally all came right for the Scots.

They won four successive frames, including a double singles win for former world champion and world number one John Higgins over Fergal O'Brien and Ken Doherty.

O'Brien and Doherty had reduced the Republic's arrears to only 3-2 by beating Hendry and Higgins in the doubles.

But the first-time Nations Cup finalists, who upset Wales 5-1 in the last four, were no match for the favourites who had crushed Northern Ireland 5-0 in Saturday's second semi-final.

Hendry and McManus remained unbeaten in the singles with two victories apiece while Higgins' only blemish in three outings was against world number 46 Judge.

The win was worth over £15,500 each for the Scottish stars while the Republic shared £19,950.

The high break of £2,500 went to Thailand's Phaitoon Phonbun for his 131 against Malta's Tony Drago in a group game.