CRICKET: Ireland received a big boost ahead of the defence of their World Cricket League title in the Netherlands yesterday as they beat Canada by six wickets in a warm-up game at Kampong CC in Utrecht, writes Emmet Riordan.

Paul Stirling's innings of 114 helped Ireland chase down a target of 260, the 19-year-old Middlesex player facing just 98 balls to bring up his three figures, hitting six fours and three sixes.

James Hall (34) and Kevin O'Brien (43) chipped in with valuable contributions, with Andrew Poynter (25 not out) and John Mooney (23 not out) getting Ireland over the line with four overs to spare.

Trent Johnston struck early with the new ball when Rizwan Cheema was caught behind for a duck to give new wicketkeeper Rory McCann his first catch with the gloves on