Ireland Under 17's defeated their Dutch counterparts by 43 runs in the first of their three ICC Europe Challenge Series games at Utrecht on Tuesday.

Having been put into the bat the Irish were indebted to 74 from Ireland A international Peter Eakin and 56 from skipper James McCollum as they posted 215 for 9 in their 50 overs. Aaron Kennedy also played some attacking shots as he made 27.

Vivian Kingma with 4 for 29 was the pick of the home side attack.

In reply The Netherlands looked as if they might shake the Irish total as West Indian born Shaquille O'Neal Martina compiled a well manufactured half century opening the innings.

However his dismissal saw the Irish strangle the Dutch batting with Rishi Chopra (1-23) and Mark Adair (1-26) being particularly parsimonious.

The Netherlands were eventually dismissed for 172, leaving Ireland 43 run victors.

Netherlands U17 v Ireland U17 at Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht.
Ireland U17 won by 43 runs
Netherlands won the toss
Ireland U17 215-9 (50 overs, Peter Eakin 74, James McCollum 56, Aaron Kennedy 27, Vivian Kingma 4-29
Netherlands U17 172 (49 overs) (Shaquille O'Neal Martina 50, Rishi Chopra 1-23, Mark Adair 1-26)