Ireland's Under 19 side secured a dramatic one wicket win against The University of New South Wales in their first warm up match ahead of the World Cup which gets under way in New Zealand next week.

Chasing 236 for victory, Ireland achieved the win thanks to Adrian D'Arcy (20*), who struck three boundaries in the 49th over to get Ireland over the line in a tense finale.

It should have been much more convincing for Ireland after half centuries from James Shannon (77), and Paul Stirling (72), but from needing just 38 from 9 overs, a spell of three wickets in just nine balls left them struggling.

A feature of the Irish innings was the number of substantial partnerships, the highest being one of 77 between Shannon and Graham McDonnell (37). The other stands of note were 55 between Paul Stirling and Lee Nelson, and 51 between Stirling and Shannon.

Earlier Ireland fought back well to restrict UNSW to 235, after they had been given a flying start by David Dawson (83), and James McNeil (56).

Best with the ball for Ireland were Shane Getkate (4-46) and Eddie Richardson (2-30), while the other wicket takers were Jordan Coghlan (1-33), Paul Stirling (1-41), and Lee Nelson (1-46).

Cricket Operations Director Mark Garaway was pleased at the victory saying: "It was an excellent win. They were in a position to post between 280-290, but excellent death bowling from Shane Getkate, Eddie Richardson and Jordan Coghlan, meant that they lost wickets regularly from the 39th over onwards, and they ended up with three overs unused. We had some excellent partnerships when we batted, and despite the mini collapse, Adrian D'Arcy kept his head in tense circumstances."

"The preparation has been incredible to date. The facilities at UNSW are simply excellent. We are extremely grateful to Sachin Bajaj from the Global Cricket School and Geoff Lawson for organising the logistics of the camp."

Ireland have another warm up fixture in Sydney tomorrow when they play a Grade XI, before departing for New Zealand on Saturday.

At UNSW, Ireland U19 beat UNSW by one wicket

UNSW 235 all out in 47 overs, (D Dawson 83, J McNeil 56, S Getkake 4-46, E Richardson 2-30, J Coghlan 1-33, P Stirling 1-41, L Nelson 1-46) lost to Ireland U19 236-9 in 49 overs (J Shannon 77, P Stirling 72, G McDonnell 37, A D'Arcy 20 not out).