Sussex are one win away from a trip to Lord's for the C&G Trophy final.

The south conference leaders bowled out hosts Ireland for 216 yesterday and then mounted a successful run chase, posting 217-3 to win with 13 overs to spare.

Victory over Hampshire under floodlights at Hove on Friday will guarantee Sussex a place in the final on Saturday August 26.

Richard Montgomerie's unbeaten century in Clontarf has left the county in the perfect position with two matches to play.

Ireland, who face England in a one-day international tomorrow, had their batting line-up sadly exposed by Sussex's bowlers, notably Luke Wright who claimed four wickets.

Dominick Joyce, who goes head-to-head with brother and England new boy Ed Joyce tomorrow, lasted just two balls before being trapped lbw to Jason Lewry.

Ireland's disastrous start continued as they were quickly reduced to 10-3.

Wicketkeeper Jason Bray was dismissed leg before in the second over before William Porterfield chipped a simple catch to Robin Martin-Jenkins at mid-on off, both off the bowling of James Kirtley.

Andrew White and Peter Gillespie steadied the Irish innings with a partnership of 71.

Gillespie hit a succession of well-timed off-drives, which included seven fours, in his 89-ball half-century. However, the dismissal of White for 26, trapped leg before to Wright, followed by Trent Johnston getting caught lbw off the same bowler for just four saw Ireland struggling on 86-5.

Eventually it needed an eighth-wicket partnership of 74 between Kyle McCallan (41 from 43 balls) and John Mooney (34) for Ireland to set Sussex a total they at least had to think about.

Sussex raced to 40 off just four overs in reply before Matt Prior was bowled for 19.

While Ireland's batsmen did not get the rub of the umpire's green, with six players falling lbw, Sussex's top-order enjoyed a charmed life.

Chris Adams survived a huge lbw shout before being given not out after it appeared he nicked a Johnston delivery behind with the score on 69-1.

Montgomerie took advantage of the lightning fast outfield to put on 130 with Adams for the second wicket.

Adams was eventually caught behind by Bray off the bowling of O'Brien for 65, which included seven fours and two sixes.

Zimbabwean Murray Goodwin was trapped for just two by Johnston, leaving Sussex on 176-3, but Montgomerie and Mike Yardy saw them home.