Joyce, Garth carry Ireland to big win

Ireland Women recovered from their loss to Netherlands Women yesterday, to register a comprehensive 90-run win against Scotland Women in the Women's European Championship at Kampong, Utrecht. The win was fashioned by an all-round performance by Kim Garth and an aggressive 85 by captain Isobel Joyce.

Ireland were in trouble after being asked to bat, losing their openers within the first four overs with only eight on the board. But Joyce - the sister of England and Ireland men's player Ed Joyce - steadied the innings by stringing together partnerships with Laura Delany, Laura Boylan and Garth before being stumped for what is her best ODI score. Garth then guided the lower order, pushing Ireland to a competitive 241 for 6.

None of the Scotland batsmen could really get going in the chase, as the target was reduced to 214 off 39 overs due to rain. Even Kari Anderson, who top-scored, could not move along quickly enough, her unbeaten 43 coming off 97 balls. The innings was wrecked by four run-outs, two of which involved Garth. Garth also picked up opener Catherine Smaill in a miserly spell in which she conceded 12 runs off seven overs.

Scotland play Netherlands tomorrow at the same venue.