Brigade's quest to be crowned European champions ended with a loss to Brescia with the Beechgrove side having to settle for fourth place and 5000 euros.

Saturday morning's match against the Italian champions had started brightly for Andy Britton's side as David Murdock and Graeme McCarter shared a 79-run opening stand in seven overs.

Murdock clubbed five sixes and two fours as he top scored with 48 from 26 balls, while McCarter cleared the ropes twice in his 34 from 25 balls.

Brigade's hopes of a big finish didn't materialize as only 16 runs came in the final three overs and that was to prove crucial in the final analysis.

Despite the best efforts of Ryan Macbeth (3-10) a total of 95 was always tough to defend, and Brescia sealed a six wickets win with three balls left.

It was very much a case of what might have been for the Irish champions who were hampered by injuries to Andy Britton, Graeme McCarter and Ifty Hussain, while Adam McDaid, who impressed during the first week, never appeared in finals week.

“We’re disappointed to lose - Murdock and McCarter gave us a great start but we got bogged down a bit late on and it probably cost us,” said skipper Andy Britton.

“Finishing fourth best of all the European club champions is still some achievement though. I’d have found that hard to believe if you’d told me this time last year.”

“We’ve enjoyed two great weeks and it was brilliant to have our families and supporters out here with us, There’s a great bunch of lads in this squad and every one of them played their part.”