Irish win as Connell cuts through Royals

PETER CONNELL grabbed a one-day best five for 19 as Ireland ruined Worcestershire’s hopes of qualifying for the Friends Provident Trophy quarter-finals with a shock 94-run victory at New Road.

The 27-year-old paceman was in devastating form as Ireland stopped the Royals from collecting a win which would have earned them a home tie in the last eight.

Needing 153 to finish top of Group A, they were skittled out for a disastrous 58 in 20.3 overs.