Ireland's fledgling Academy side was given a severe cricketing lesson by the England Under 17 side at Loughborough yesterday.

Batting first, half centuries from James Shannon and Ben Ackland saw Ireland score 226, a total that was to prove woefully inadequate.

Shannon top scored with 62 (7 fours, 1 six), sharing in a 3rd wicket partnership of 78 with Ben Ackland who made 51 (6 fours, 1 six).

Other contributors of note were Stuart Thompson (26) and Jason van der Merwe (20).

Best with the ball for England was Tom Milnes (3-49).

In reply, with Shane Getkate unable to bowl, and Eddie Richardson injured, Ireland struggled to take wickets.

Lee Nelson (2-53) removed both openers, and when Graham McDonnell (1-28) dismissed Sunday's centurion Adam Rossington for 4, Ireland were very much in the game at 61 for 3.

However an unbroken fourth wicket stand of 169 between Steve Wood (102*) and Graham Clark (64*) meant Ireland were left chasing leather as the win was achieved with 7.3 overs to spare.