IT TOOK a battling innings of 49 by Adam Coughlan to get the Irish Under 19 cricketers over the line at Clontarf yesterday.

The Irish faced a shock defeat to the USA in their opening game of the World Cup Qualifiers before the North County all-rounder rescued their innings in a one-wicket win.

'It was a great knock', said Ireland coach Jeremy Bray, 'but overall we were pretty poor. The shot selection was pretty baffling.

'It was very immature, which I suppose you have to expect at this level'.

The USA had started well, but collapsed to 106-6 in the face of a brilliant spell of 10-2-32-3 by Pembroke's Barry McCarthy.

'He was exceptional, he bowled us back into the game,' said Bray.

A late flurry of big hits presented Ireland with a tricky target, which looked all the bigger after 5 overs with the score on 16-3.

George Dockrell (29) steadied the ship with Adam Berry (22), before Coughlan got stuck in with crucial partnerships with Graeme McCarter (35) and McCarthy (17).

Ireland needed ten to win off four overs but a late collapse meant the last pair had to complete the win with a thunderous drive by Josh Hall with one ball to spare.

Bowler Shane Getkate cried off at the last minute with a strain.

'Shane was a bit sore in the groin after the two warm up games, so we rested him. But it showed that we desperately need him back and and he'll be in as soon as he's fully fit,' said Bray.