Ireland gave another display of fighting cricket in the Hague yesterday and came within a half-volley of defending a total of 195 for six against Denmark in the European Championship. A thrilling finish at the HCC grounds saw Denmark win with three wickets and one ball to spare.

The first phase of Ireland's fight-back began when Peter Gillespie was fifth out for 37 with Ireland still two shy of 100. Instead of panicking, Angus Dunlop and Gordon Cooke played themselves in for six or seven overs and had the nerve to wait until the 43rd over before launching their final onslaught.

They then scorched along at 10 per over, adding 87 before Dunlop was unjustly run-out for 40 - the fielder having not so much dislodged a bail as demolished the stumps before the ball arrived.

Cooke finished with 38 not out and after bowling a couple of lively overs he made the first breakthrough by running out Carston Pedersen with a sharp throw from short fine leg.

Again the weather conspired against Ireland and where they had started their innings in gloom and drizzle, the Danes found the sun on their backs as they whittled the target to 60 off 15 overs with 7 wickets in hands.

Ireland kept plugging away, however, and after capturing the wickets of Saddique, Aftab and Hansen, Denmark needed six to win off the final over.

Bowled bt Gillespie, the first two went for singles, the third bowled Lars Hedegaard and broke his toe for good measure, but with three needed from two balls, Morten Hedegaard dispatched a half volley over cover for the winning boundary.

Scotland's loss to Holland means any of the other four teams can still meet the hosts in the final - Ireland's last match is against Scotland tomorrow.