On a rather dreary day on the Isle of Man, Group B of the European Under-19 Division Two tournament saw both matches record a result, with France and Israel beating Norway and Belgium respectively.

A delayed start at Cronkbourne reduced the match between France and Norway to 47 overs, and France quickly had the Norwegians on the back foot with captain Thomas Liddiard bowling well with three wickets to reduce Norway to 21-4.

France let Norway back in a little though, conceding 21 runs in extras, and when rain brought an early end to their innings, Norway had scored 86-6 in 27 overs.

After a lengthy rain delay, during which both teams entertained themselves by watching the England v India Test match on television, play got back underway at 5.30pm, with France needing 93 in 25 overs to win the match.

Sensing the prospect of more rain in the air, France set about chasing down the target in rapid fashion. Usman Shahid scored 41 from 39 balls and William Smati scored 38 in 31 balls to secure a nine wicket win for France in their final group game.

In the Israel v Belgium game at King William's College, play started late, but it was the only game not to see a reduction in overs.

Put into bat by Belgium, Israel scored 195-9 from their 50 overs, Josh Evans leading the way with 65. Belgium experimented with their bowlers, using nine in all, but Waqas Shafiq was the pick of the bunch with 4-35.

In reply, Robert Sehmi scored a battling 42, but no other batsman reached double figures and Belgium were bowled out for 124, Shalom Kristi taking 5-23.

Group B concludes tomorrow with Denmark playing Israel and Belgium playing Norway.