Ireland U19s claimed a famous 72-run win over their English counterparts in their first youth ODI at Loughborough.

Batting first they were given the perfect start by an opening stand of 98 between Jordan Neill and Ryan Hunter, who made 47 (7 fours).

Merrion opener Neill went on to add a further 53 with Gavin Roulston before being dismissed for 77 (10 fours).

Macdara Cosgrave and skipper Philippe Le Roux went cheaply to leave the game finely balanced at 170 for 4 in the 36th over.

Scott Macbeth joined Roulston and the North West pair produced a match defining partnership of 117 in just 11..3 overs, with Macbeth top-scoring, hitting 8 fours and 6 maximums in his unbeaten 90 from just 48 balls.

Roulston also made a half-century, his 73 including 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The pair really pressed the accelerator as 143 runs came in the last 10 overs of the innings - 46 from the last three as Carson McCullough (23* off 10 balls) took up the mantle after Roulston's dismissal.

A total of 333 for 5 gave the Irish a real filliip, but they knew that on a good pitch with smallish boundaries they would have to bowl well.

The Hills left-arm quick Matthew Weldon (2-55) gave them a perfect start with a breakthrough in the first over, but Nottinghamshire's Travis Holland (35) and Kesh Fonseka got the innings back on track with a second wicket stand of 89.

It was a case of 'spin to win' for Pete Johnston's side as Carson McCullough (2-52), Jordan Neill and Scott Macbeth all got among the wickets.

The star turn though was Merrion left-arm spinner Daniel Forkin, who got four wickets including the prize scalp of Lancashire batsman Fonseka, who made a quite brilliant 121 from 112 balls (12 fours, 5 sixes) and it was only when he was back in the pavilion that Ireland could relax - eventually sealing a 72-run win.

A very proud day for all of Irish cricket in what is undoubtedly one of, if not the best win by an Irish youth side.

The teams meet again on Wednesday at the same venue.