Trent Johnston took four wickets in Kenya's second innings

Ireland beat Kenya by an innings and 65 runs to secure their place in the Intercontinental Cup final later this month where they will take on Namibia.

Having made 578-4, Ireland bowled out Kenya for 186 and the Kenyans were all out for 327 in their second innings.

Kenya began Tuesday's fourth day of play on 146-2 and were unable to make the Irish team bat for a second time.

Trent Johnston took four wickets, Regan West three, Andre Botha two and Boyd Rankin one in Kenya's second innings.

Three Ireland players scored centuries as Ireland accumulated their huge first innings total - Kevin O'Brien (171), Niall O'Brien (135) and Botha (109), while Andrew White chipped in with 92.

Kyle McCallan and West took four wickets apiece in Kenya's first innings to help set up victory for Phil Simmons' side.

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But with just 20 minutes left in the day's play, left-arm slow bowler Regan West trapped Peter Ongondo leg before wicket to ensure Ireland's victory.

It ended a brave rearguard action by the home side.

Dismissed for just 186 in the first innings after Ireland's mammoth effort of 576-4 declared, Kenya's batsmen showed much more resolve the second time around.

Eighteen-year-old Seren Waters, on his debut, top-scoring with 75 while Thomas Odoyo hit a patient 61 runs.

But the Irish deserved to stay on course for an unprecedented hat-trick of victories in the competition after dominating the majority of the contest.

West, Kyle McCallan and Trent Johnston bowled 100.4 of the 135.4 overs bowled in the second innings.

Our bowlers did really well to keep probing in the right areas Ireland coach Phil Simmons

After the game a delighted Ireland coach Phil Simmons praised the way his bowlers stuck to their task.

"Our bowlers did really well to keep probing in the right areas and it paid off in the end," said Simmons.

"The pitch did take a bit of spin so it was always going to be up to West and McCallan to do the lion's share of the bowling because they were getting it to turn."

After a period of uncertainty due to work commitments, former captain Johnston made himself available for this tour and his wickets proved vital.

"Trent is a great player for us and has been for a long time," said Simmons.

"His experience really came through today and he showed the younger pace bowlers how you need to adapt as a seamer if you are to be successful."

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