IRELAND Under 15's were involved in yet another two close finishes yesterday, coming out on the right side with a superb win over Hampshire, before falling just short against Cheshire.

The Irish youngsters faced Hamphsire Under 16's in the first T20 contest at Les Quennevais, and managed to defend 115.

JJ Garth top scored with an unbeaten 29 from just 26 balls (4 fours) and Marcus Poskitt hit 28 in the Irish total.

A magnificent bowling performance  saw Hampshire restricted to 110 for 6, despite a late surge from Gabe Broadhurst (30*).

Jack Carson was the stand-out performer, taking 3 for 10, well backed up by Seanan Jones (2-26). The Irish fielding was at it's best on the huge boundaries at the St Helier venue, and their athleticism proved to be the deciding factor in the tense contest.

Ireland faced Cheshire U16's in the final and another tight bowling display with James Hunter and JJ Garth both taking  1 for 15 saw Cheshire make 107 for 4 - Ben Gibbon (40) and Sam Perry (34) their main contributors.

On a wearing pitch, Ireland fell ten runs short despite the best efforts of Seanan Jones (36).

Ireland's performances were all the more admirable given the fact they were unable to bowl three of their frontline attack - Cian Nulty, Stuart Jackson and Gavin Hoey - due to ECB guidelines. 

The talented trio will all be available again today (THURS) as Ireland face the hosts Jersey in a 50 over contest.

JCB CRICKET FESTIVAL

At Les Quennevais, St Helier. T20 semi-final

IRELAND 115/5 (20 overs; JJ Garth 29*, M Poskitt 28, Z Organ 3-5, J Campbell 2-26)

HAMPSHIRE 110/6 (20 overs; G Broadhurst 30*, F Middleton 26*, J Carson 3-10, S Jones 2-26)

Ireland won by 5 runs

T20 Final

CHESHIRE 1-7/4 (B Gibbon 40, S Perry 34, JJ Garth 1-15, J Hunter 1-15)

IRELAND 97/7 (S Jones 36, G McCormick 2-17)

Cheshire win by 10 runs