Ireland's Women cricketers continued their excellent form with a resounding 8 wicket win at the Rose Bowl against Hampshire to cement their place at the summit of Division 3 of the ECB County Championships.

A disciplined bowling display saw Hampshire unable to break free from the shackles at any stage, as Louise McCarthy (3-25) and Kim Garth (2-17) restricted them to 124 for 8 in their 50 overs.

That total proved to be nothing of a challenge to the powerful Irish batting line-up who surpassed their modest target in just 17 overs.

Skipper Isobel Joyce top scored with an unbeaten 40, while Cecelia Joyce was one of two wickets to fall, having made 36.

Claire Shillington hit 15, while Melissa Scott-Hayward's recent renaissance with the bat continued as she scored an unbeaten 15.

The Women are in action next week at Bready in the T20 European Championships which also serve as World Cup qualifiers, also taking on Scotland at the conclusion of the tournament in their final game of the County Championships.

Ireland Women beat Hampshire Women by 8 wickets
Hampshire Women 124-8 (50 overs, Lousie McCarthy 3-25, Kim Garth 2-17)
Ireland Women 125-2 (17 overs, Isobel Joyce 40*, Cecelia Joyce 36, Claire Shillington 15, Melissa Scott-Hayward 15*)