Ireland Under 15’s claimed the Barnard Castle Festival with a 100-run win over traditional rivals Scotland in the final.

Yet again it was the Player of the Week Gethin Kelleher who stole the show in the batting with the Terenure youngster hitting eight boundaries in a top score of 54, as he and Rush left-hander Callum Armstrong (18) added 84 for the third wicket.

There was a collapse as hindered by three run outs, they slid from 101 for 2 to 126 for 7. 

The tail wagged though with Lorcan Craik and Toby O’Connell both making 32, while Ted Hasler chipped in with 21 in a total of 218.

Player of the Tournament Gethin Kelleher

Scotland’s chase never got going, with Instonians off-spinner Ben Walsh being the destroyer-in-chief, claiming 3 for 21, while Toby O’Connell took two scalps as the Scots were dismissed for 118.

Bobby Brolly, Gethin Kelleher, and Ted Hasler were the other successful bowlers as the Irish made it five victories, retaining the title they won last year.

Ireland captain Peter Le Roux receives the trophy

Ireland will now travel to Scotland where they will play the hosts in the Celtic Cup series next week.

UNDER 15 FESTIVAL

At Barnard Castle, Ireland beat Scotland by 100 runs

IRELAND 218 (49.1 overs; Gethin Kelleher 54, Lorcan Craik 32, Toby O’Connell 32, Ted Hasler 21; Oli Stones 2-19, Nairn Crubbon 2-27)

SCOTLAND 118 (33.2 overs; Ben Walsh 3-21, Toby O’Connell 2-27)