Scotland pipped Ireland by 5 runs in the opening match of their Under 17 Celtic Cup series at Stormont.

The visitors total of 237 was down primarily to two significant stands. Firstly, keeper Ollie Pillinger (46) added 74 for the first wicket with Simon Umeed, and then following a mini collapse where four wickets fell for 12 runs, skipper James Stronach and Keerat Singh (30) got the innings back on track by adding 81.

Stronach thumped 7 fours and 2 sixes in an even time 55, while for Ireland Clontarf's Ethan Marshall took (4-20) and Instonians spinner Ben Walsh took 3 for 49.

The chase was a nip and tuck affair with early runs for James Smallwoods (29), Sam Haslett, and Ethan Marshall.

Scotland kept pegging away and wickets for Shreyas Tekele (3-42), Ken Keddie (2-32) and Alec McClennan (2-38) had them on top.

Bruce Whaley (40) and Gethin Kelleher (37) fought back bravely but in the end the Scots prevailed in a tense finale that augurs well for the rest of the series.