SPIN king Kyle Smith claimed five wickets as Scotland clinched the U19 World Cup qualifying title in style yesterday.

The young Scots went into their final match against Vanuatu in Coleraine already assured of their place at next summer’s global event in Australia.

And a thumping 130-run win against tournament whipping boys Vanuatu means Craig Wright’s side are the top ranked team outside the Test nations.

Arbroath opener Ross McLean top-scored with a patient 69 while Forfarshire’s Aman Bailwal made a hard-hitting 40 in a total of 222-8.

Vanuatu made a solid start but were completely outfoxed by West Lothian bowler Smith who returned figures of 5-17 to seal an easy win.

Ironically Scotland’s only defeat in the nine-game tournament came on the opening day against a Canadian side who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Coach Craig Wright declared: “This group of players have shown tremendous resilience throughout the tournament especially after losing that first game.

“Looking back we had opportunities to beat Canada and it would obviously have been nice to win all our games.

“But we also had other matches which seemed to be going against us and each time the guys found a way to get over the line.

“Our aim was to qualify as champions so we are naturally delighted.”

The other qualifiers are Nepal, Ireland, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Namibia.

U19 World Cup Qualifier - Scotland U19 222-8 (R McLean 69, A Bailwal 40) Vanuatu U19 92 (K Smith 5-17)
Scotland U19 won by 130 runs and qualify for U19 World Cup as champions.