15 July 2002

After a thrilling victory against Ireland, late on Saturday night, Scotland were crowned Under 19 kings of Europe at Oundle on Sunday. Put into bat Ireland made 186 a.o. in 48 overs, with Porterfield making 44 before clipping a Kyle Coetzer delivery to Moneeb Iqbal at mid-wicket. Thereafter a combination of good bowling and impressive fielding stilted IrelandÕs batsmen just as they were looking to dominate. It could have been a far higher target for Scotland to chase. Two missed catches and inconsistent bowling in the early overs saw Ireland at 76-1 off 17 overs. With the dangerous Porterfield still there things looked ominous. At just the right moment, Scotland moved up a gear. At this crucial point in the match, the Scotland attack found consistency and the catches began to stick. Keeper Alex Unsworth took 3 catches including a stunning, diving, right handed take to give Kyle Coetzer his second wicket. Coetzer finished with 2-13 off 8 overs and was superbly supported, most notably by Craig Anderson who finished with figures of 4-40 off 8.

ScotlandÕs reply couldnÕt have made a worse start. Kyle Coetzer, who had come into the match with a 74 and 29 to his name, shouldered arms to McKenzieÕs third ball and unceremoniously lost his off-stump. Ian Young and Moneeb Iqbal then played cautiously against some impressive new ball bowling from the Irish, but eventually got the scoreboard ticking over at the required run rate. Things were going well for Scotland until Ireland introduced their spinners: the runs dried up and the frustration eventually told on Ian Young when he ran past a leg spinner and was stumped. Omer Hussein then joined Iqbal, but with the run-rate rising, Iqbal ran himself out for a fine 72 (Young/Iqbal partnership put on 134). Kasim Farid came to the wicket with Scotland requiring 31 from 5 overs. He and Hussain got the target down to needing 7 from the last over. Farid chipped the first ball for 3 then pinched a single from the third ball of the over. Hussain finished the match off with style, striking the 4th ball over mid-on for 4. Hussain finished on 32, a crucial innings for ScotlandÕs victory. Previously in the championship Scotland had beaten Nothhants in a bowl-out 5-2, Denmark by 3 wickets in another last over finish and Holland were well beaten by 6 wickets in 41 overs.

After the tournament National Coach Mike Hendrick and Under 19 coach Willie Morton were delighted with the squad's performance. Hendrick said "This squad is the youngest in the tournament, ten of these guys are eligible to play in the Under 17 Europeans in Edinburgh later this month, but they showed the maturity and mental strength of a much older team. They have learnt so much this week and I have high hopes for them over the next 18 months"

Coach Willie Morton added "I have been involved with this level of cricket for many years, but this squad has the most talent and potential of any I have seen. They have all worked really hard this week, not only for themselves but for each other. The team spirit was fantastic and I am delighted for each and every one of them". Moneeb Iqbal (right) was named ÔPlayer of the TournamentÕ.

Many of these squad players can be seen at the Under 17 European Championships being held from 26th-28th July at the Edinburgh Academy.

The Winning Under 19 Squad

• K. Coetzer
• I. Young
• M. Iqbal
• O. Hussain
• K. Farid
• M. McMillan
• C. Anderson
• I. Brand
• A. Farooq
• R. Lyons
• D. Bills
• A. Unsworth
• R. Routray

Ireland v Scotland - Sat. 13th July at Holcot C.C.

Ireland
W. Porterfield  44  Bowled Coetzer Caught Iqbal
G. Wilson        6  Bowled Anderson Caught Young
J. Neill        11  Bowled McMillan Caught Bills
A. Riddles      10  Bowled Iqbal Caught Farooq
C. Kelly         6  Bowled Coetzer Caught Unsworth
P. McKenzie      1  Bowled Farooq Caught Unsworth
J. Prior        18  Bowled Brand Caught  Young
K. 0ÕBrien      15  Bowled Anderson Caught Bill
S. McDonnell    23  Bowled Anderson Caught Unsworth
T. Thomson       6  Bowled Anderson Caught Young
B. Rankin        0  Not Out
Total:         186 (43 extras)

Scotland Bowling (wkts-runs-overs)
Anderson     4-40-9.4
Brand        1-24-7
McMillan     1-25-5
Farooq       1-41-9
Iqbal        1-28-10
Coetzer      2-13-8

Scotland
K. Coetzer       0  Bowled McKenzie
I. Young        46  Bowled McDonnell Stumped Wilson
M. Iqbal        72  Run-Out
O. Hussain      32  Not Out
K. Farid         9  Not out
Total          189 (31 extras)

Ireland Bowling ( wkts-runs-overs)
P. McKenzie  1-18-6.4
B. Rankin    0-20-8
T. Thomson   0-13-3
K. OÕBrien   0-30-10
C. Kelly     0-24-6
J. Prior     0-38-10
S. McDonnell 1-26-7