Ireland tore up the record books with a destructive batting display against a beleaguered Danish side at Downpatrick.

They ran up  a mammoth 429 for 8 in their 50 overs - the highest score by an Irish youth team at any level, and indeed by any European team in the one day format of the game.

The basis for the huge total was a record partnership of 263 for the second wicket between Jason van der Merwe and Adam Berry, which they accumulated in just 169 balls as they dispatched the bowling to all parts of the picturesque Downpatrick venue.

If the large crowd thought the opening stand of 78 between Van Der Merwe and Ryan Hunter (27) in 8.4 overs was entertaining, what was to follow took destruction to a new level.

Van der Merwe scored a quite brutal 164 from 115 balls (13 fours, 7 sixes), while Berry's was equally as destructive. He made 133 from just 90 balls (7 fours, 6 sixes).

What was pleasing about the stand was the fact that the pair combined their power shots with some quick running between the wickets, always rotating the strike and never allowing the bowlers to settle.

Raja Basit Javed came back well to claim 5 for 70 as Ireland lost a flurry of wickets attempting to push the total even higher, but Barry McCarthy (30*) ensured there was little in the way of respite as the scoreboard reached and passed the 400 mark.

It was never going to be easy chasing a total of 429, and the best Denmark could hope for was a semblance of respectability.

Raja Javed with 40 from 55 balls (4 fours, 1 six) at least got them over the 100 mark, but he received littlle support as his side were dismissed for 106 in 39.4 overs.

All the Irish attack bowled well, with Graeme McCarter (3-11), George Dockrell (3-14) and Barry McCarthy (3-38) the main wicket takers.

The margin of victory - 323 runs - was not surprisingly another European record, and will help Ireland's net run rate immensely.

There will be stiffer tests ahead for Ireland - starting with a must win clash against unbeaten Jersey at Bangor tomorrow. Denmark will attempt to bounce back when they face Netherlands at Ballymena.