Scotland will face Ireland in tomorrow's final of the Coalite Nations Cup, following a 5-0 whitewash of Northern Ireland today. The reigning World Cup champions struck top form as they combined to beat the giantkillers in a high-quality but one-sided affair.
The Scots, runners-up in the 1999 Nations Cup and an embarrassing fourth of the five teams involved last season, immediately stamped their authority on the contest by convincing building a 2-0 advantage. Seven-times world champion Stephen Hendry set the example with a 71 break against Gerard Greene, before Alan McManus piled on the pressure by putting together a run of 94 against Northern Ireland captain Joe Swail.
Terry Murphy tried his best to counter-attack but, trailing 46-0 in the third frame, UK title holder John Higgins set about severely denting Northern Ireland's already fast diminishing chances. Higgins slotted in a long red to a baulk pocket to launch a 60 clearance to pink and later agreed it had been a crucial contribution. Higgins believed that was the significant shot of the match, insisting: "It probably was the frame that hurt them most. I was delighted to clear up and that probably closed the door."
There was worse to come as the doubles followed an identical pattern. This time Northern Ireland established a 49-0 lead, but Greene wobbled a testing red and Hendry stepped in with a razor-sharp 68 clearance. By now Northern Ireland were thoroughly demoralised and Higgins completed the rout by beating Swail in frame five.
Scotland then turned their attention to Ken Doherty's Republic of Ireland side, who caused the biggest upset of the tournament by beating Wales 5-1 in the first semi-final yesterday. Hendry added: "Obviously if we perform like we did out there today we'll be very confident of winning. If a few rubs go the wrong way, though, things could be very different. With this format you can't be certain of anything. I think it could be quite close and the Irish are guaranteed to be up for it."
The final, played over the best of 11 frames, gets underway at noon.
Filed by Shane Murray
