Ireland Under-19 Women edged Scotland by one wicket in a dramatic T20 contest, reaching their target of 136 with six balls to spare despite a late collapse.

Scotland recovered from a shaky start to post 135 for five from their 20 overs. Waringstown's Penny Speer struck twice and Instonians left-armer Anna Ellerby also claimed two wickets as the visitors slipped to 26 for four.

Charlotte Nevard and Lucy Pillinger then transformed the innings with an 81-run partnership. Nevard struck five boundaries in a composed 37 from 41 balls before falling to Ellerby, while Pillinger finished unbeaten on 31.

Emily Duguid provided valuable late acceleration, hitting a 15-ball unbeaten 19 as Scotland set Ireland a challenging target. 

Speer was outstanding with the ball, conceding only 10 runs from her four overs, while Ellerby finished with two for 36.

Ireland’s reply began badly as Ammy Baldie removed Grace Wilson and Isabelle McLean to leave them 13 for two.

In-form Aisling Lawlor steadied the innings with 24 before Genevieve Morrissey and Niamh Lowry put Ireland in control. 

Morrissey made 31 from just 29 balls, while Lowry struck five fours in a rapid 23-ball 34.

However, both fell with the score on 100, sparking a tense finish. Gemma Sargent and Millie Spence took Ireland to 123, but Baldie continued to apply pressure.

She removed Sargent and Mansi Bhavsar to complete excellent figures of four for 14, while Rebecca McCrossan claimed two wickets as Ireland slipped to 132 for nine.

Lucy Andrews held her nerve, striking an unbeaten 10 from five balls. With Penny Speer at the other end, Andrews guided Ireland to their target in the penultimate over, sealing a thrilling victory after Scotland had threatened an extraordinary comeback.