To improve at any game, you've got to take on the best, right? Well, let's hope so, assuming that a physical lambasting is balanced by a subsequent spiritual and mental resilience.

That will have to be the goal which Ireland's women cricketers set for themselves at College Park today and at Anglesea Road on Monday, for their next encounter's with Australia's finest.

At College Park yesterday, Miriam Grealey's team were emphatically put to the sword by the talented tourists, to the tune of 172 runs. Yet it must be said there were consolations.

Most notable was the excellent performance of the teenaged spinner Clare Shillington, who captured three wickets for 34 runs off her 10 overs. It was an exceptional display, all the more so when you consider that experienced colleagues were being pulverised.

Shillington took the first three wickets, clean-bowling Michelle Goszko, having Olivia Magno well held by Barbra McDonald and dismissing Jane Franklin, splendidly caught and bowled.

All of which is not to detract from the formidable batting of the Australians. Franklin and Goszko put on 67 for the first wicket; the next three went cheaply enough; and 110 for four was encouraging for the Irish. Enter Joanne Broadbent and Bronwyn Calver.

Both were unbeaten at the end of the 50 overs, Broadbent the top scorer on 82, Calver with 81. They put on 151 runs including 101 runs off the final 10 overs, after Australia had been 160 for four off 40 overs.

Shillington was the only Irish bowler to take wickets but mention must be made of Saibh Young, who conceded even fewer runs (28) off her 10 overs than did Shillington.

Ireland's innings started well, with Cliodhna Sharp and Catriona Beggs putting on 38 for the first wicket. Thereafter, there was something of a procession back to the pavilion, and only Anne Linehan and Nicki Squire reached double figures. The top scorer was the ubiquitous Ms Extras, with 17.