DEVON Ladies were pipped at the post by Ireland in a thriller at Heathcoat.
Ireland were all out for 165 in the 47th of 50 overs – Kim Garth top scoring with 54 off 68 balls.
England seamer Jodie Clements and Hazel Garton jointly led the bowling effort for Devon with identical figures of two for 19 from 10 overs.
Lydia Clements picked up two for 26 and opening bowler Cait O’Keefe had two for 22.
Devon had Ireland rocking at 73 for seven before Garth got them off the hook in a stand of 73 with Mary Waldron.
It looked as if the Irish rearguard action was going to be in vain as Devon raced to 66 without loss, with openers Amara Carr (33) and Aylish Cranstone (22) in little difficulty.
Laura Delany (2-20) removed both and with skipper Isobel Joyce (2-29) also getting crucial wickets, Devon dipped from 78 for one to 95 for four.
Ali Kelly (25), O’Keefe (14) and Bryony Butcher (16) got Devon back in the game..
With victory in sight at 157 for seven, Devon lost their last three wickets for one run. Three run-outs – two of them direct hits – contributed to Devon’s seven-run defeat.