Ireland Academy lost the opening match of their three-game series against Guernsey by 63 runs at KGV on Friday.

Chasing 274, Pete Johnston's side slumped to 36 for 5 in the 11th over, before half centuries from Scott Macbeth and Adam Leckey sparked a recovery.

Brigade all-rounder Macbeth top-scored with 84 from 99 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), sharing a 6th wicket stand of 111 in 20 overs with CSNI's Leckey, whose 50 took 65 balls and included four fours and one maximum.

Merrion's Daniel Forkin added 27 down the order, but the Irish had left themselves too much to do - dismissed for in the 47th over.

Earlier in the day, the hosts had been in trouble at 7 for 3, with two wickets for Reuben Wilson and one for skipper Ollie Riley, but a superb 132 from Tom Nightingale sparked a comeback – his 102 ball tenure including 17 fours and a six.

He added 96 with Harrison Tagg (27), and further half century partnerships with his brother Ollie (29) and Ben Ferbrache (36*).

There were late wickets for Adam Leckey (3-33) and Daniel Forkin (2-44), but a final total of 274 always looked challenging and so it proved.

The sides will meet again on Satuday in two T20 clashes at the same venue.