John Mooney's unbeaten half century led Ireland to a five-wicket win over England at Merrion.

The 182-cap veteran - one of eight senior internationals in a strong line-up - made 79 not out (10 fours, 1 six) as his team, coached by Alan Lewis, chased down 262 to win in the penultimate over.

It was a strong batting display with all seven Irish batters making double figures. There were two pivotal stands with 'John Boy' adding 71 in 9 overs for the fourth wicket with Nigel Jones - who hit 5 fours and 2 sixes in a 23-ball 40 - and a further 73 for the fifth wicket with Albert van der Merwe (33).

John Anderson (34), Stephen Ogilby (19), Rory McCann (16*) and Kenny Carroll (12) were the other batters in the runs.

Earlier three wickets from Rush paceman Allan Eastwood (3-53) reduced England to 112 for 5 despite runs from Steven Naylor (47) and Garry Park (38).

Their innings was transformed by a sixth wicket stand of 150 in 15 overs between Sean Park, whose 38-ball unbeaten 77 included 6 fours and 6 sixes, and Nicholas Walker - who hit 7 fours and cleared the ropes four times in his 70 not out.

A total of 262 for 5 looked a challenging one, but Mooney and his team-mates proved up to it as they brought a highly succesful season for the Veterans Association of Ireland to an end.

SUMMARY SCORE

At Anglesea Road, Ireland Over 40s beat England Over 40s by 5 wickets

ENGLAND 262/5 (40 overs; Sean Park 77, Nicholas Park 70, Steven Naylor 47, Garry Park 38; Allan Eastwood 3-53)

IRELAND 263/5 (38.1 overs; John Mooney 79*, Nigel Jones 40, John Anderson 34, Albert van der Merwe 33; Nicholas Walker 2-70)