Cricket/Women's World Cup: A powerful and, at times, exhilarating West Indian 139-run partnership between Pamela Lavine and Juliana Nero spelled the end for Ireland in Laudium yesterday and in the process made it practically impossible for them to make it into the last six, thus winning an automatic place in the next World Cup in four year's time.
Having beaten the West Indies at the last outing, Ireland were hopeful of registering their first win of this tournament but Nero (71 not out) and Lavine (66 not out) were ruthless and punished any width presented to them by the Irish attack. And crucially, there was plenty.
This West Indian team look like an interesting bunch. With age profiles ranging from 16 up to 47, the squad includes an all-rounder who is also a FIFA-affiliated soccer referee and an opening bowler who, believe it or not, has nine sisters and 18 brothers.
In truth, Ireland will know that although the target of 160 to win that they set the Windies was not as challenging as it could have been, it was still a potentially winning one had they bowled and fielded with more potency.
Only Barbara McDonald, the mainstay of Ireland's bowling in this tournament, and to a lesser extent Miriam Grealey and Heather Whelan, showed anything like the consistency necessary to put pressure on a chasing side.
Too many wides and loose deliveries from the rest, coupled with fielding that lacked the urgency of previous outings meant that the job was made too easy for the West Indies.
Ireland had got off to their best start of this competition so far with Cecelia Joyce and Anne Linehan putting on 79 for the first wicket. Ireland suffered a bit of a collapse after Joyce's departure - stumped by Stephanie Power for 37.
In the next over, Linehan was clean bowled by Verena Felicien, trying to hit her over the top and Clare Shillington and Miriam Grealey did not stick around long.
Catriona Beggs (31 not out), Nicki Coffey (16) and later Una Budd (21) all steadied things for Ireland and brought them to their final total of 159 for six off 50 overs. It was a bit disappointing considering the good start.
"No excuses," said skipper Shillington after the game. "We just didn't play well today." And unfortunately, it was as simple as that.
