TEENAGE spin sensation George Dockrell led Ireland into the UNder 19 Cricket World Cup in Australia next summer with a classy all-round performance.

Dockrell took 3-35 off ten overs before batting his team into the U19 world elite with an unbeaten 82.

'It was great to bat through and see the team home', he told the Irish Daily Star last night.

'The guys have worked really hard and to get to the World Cup finals is another great achievement.'

It was an impressive win over Namibia at Coleraine, a game replayed because the original tie had been rained off.

The Africans made 245-9, and were on top after nine overs of Ireland's reply with the score at 32 for 3.

But the classy Dockrell held his nerve and shared a stand of 99 with Jason van der Merwe of Muckamore, who made 72.

Shane Getkate joined Dockrell with 115 needed off 21 overs, and the pair completed the job with three overs to spare.

'Jason, Geks and George were awesome', said coach Jeremy Bray, 'it was fantastic batting.

'The skipper saw it through with a real professional knock. It was low-risk cricket and we did the job.'

With Scotland virtually certain to lead the overall table, Bray is still setting targets for his charges.

'We still want to beat Papua New Guinea in the last game and a lot of the guys have a point to prove.'

Bray was appointed to the coach the side at this tournament just three months ago, and his success means he is certain to take the team to Australia in August 2012.

Dockrell was delighted to prove wrong those critics who said he was batting too high up the order at No 5.

'I had a tough start to the tournament with the bat, but I've come good in the last few games,' he said last night.

'I know I have to improve my game in all its aspects, but it's satisfying to bat as well as that. Whether I get put up the order for the full Irish team is up to Phil, but it's definitely a goal for me.'

Ireland play Papua New Guinea at Eglinton in the final round of what has been a competitive and excellently run tournament.