Joyce and McCarthy help Ireland beat Wales

An opening blitz from Louise McCarthy and a half century from Cecelia Joyce helped Ireland to a six wicket win over Wales.

McCarthy's opening salvo saw the Wales top order blew away, and an early finish looked on the cards as they were reeling on 7 for 4.

Further wickets from Amy Kenealy (2-32) and Lucy O'Reilly (2-20) kept the pressure on at 38 for 7.

However Marsha Davies (34) and the concession of a whopping 41 extras - 33 of which were wides and no balls - allowed Wales to finish on 114.

Despite their wastefulness, Cecelia Joyce ensured it wouldn't be costly as she and Una Raymond-Hoey (18) added 67 for the first wicket to settle Irish nerves in the run chase.

Joyce, opening in the absence of twin sister Isobel and Clare Shillington, struck 8 fours in a hard hit 53.

There was a slight wobble as Rebecca Rolfe (6) and Elena Tice (4) went cheaply, but Laura Delany (10*) and Shauna Kavanagh (5*) ensured the six wickets win without any further alarms.

It's been quite a week for McCarthy, who had the astonishing bowling analysis of 8 for 1 in Pembroke's cup win over Clontarf.