Peter Johnson
11 August 2003

Following two successful tours to England with some impressive wins over an England XI and Yorkshire then under Sandra Dawson's Management we picked our 14 to travel to the World Cup with Physio Killian Condon and Manager/Scorer Judy Cohen. The season had also seen us compete with the men, the highlight being a very tight loss by 10 runs against a strong Civil Service 2nds side.

After settling into the hotel the first day, we had a very productive middle practice the next day in very hot conditions. Then we played the West Indies in Amsterdam, who on a lively coconut matting pitch with some fast bowling and some vociferous high spirited supporters bowled us out for just 84, with really only Young 20 and Beggs 15 troubling the scorers. Putting this behind us, the team went out and gave the best bowling and fielding display I have ever seen to give us a 32 run victory, bowling the Windies out for just 52. I knew this was a massive win, as you could tell we had beaten a very good side by playing at our very best in the field. McDonald with 4-13 and O'Neill 4-15 were the pick of the bowlers. McDonald bowling an amazing opening spell, finding a great rhythm and hitting the pitch hard. One could only think back to the day that Ireland famously rolled the West Indies and make comparisons.

Following the game, one cold bottle of beer was given to all 'on the house' courtesy of the ICU. The reward was so richly deserved and the team spirit fantastic, a spirit that would continue throughout the tournament.

The next day we met new comers Japan. Before the game and with the words to 'Ireland's Call' well rehearsed, the girls formed a huddle on the field and sung the anthem, as they would do before the start of all the other games. Japan fought hard to a total of 62, with McDonald again taking 3 wickets. Nickie Coffey gained her first cap and bowled without luck but with pace and movement. O'Leary 31 not out top scored as we cruised to the total with ease in just 9 overs. However the fun, friendly, immensely proud, enthusiastic but competitive attitude of the Japanese left its mark on all of us. They are a fantastic team, technically quite good, but lacking in power and experience. Afraid of even appealing in case it isn't out, just about sums up their courteous team. Or perhaps they are the smiling assassins of the future.

Day 3 of the tournament brought us up against unbeaten Pakistan who seemed extremely confident as their coach broadcast that his bowlers were 'the best in the competition'. Rotterdam was the venue and on another very hot day we took the field and worked hard to restrict Pakistan to 143 - 7 off 50 overs. Again McDonald was the pick of the bowlers with good support from Shillington and the ever-impressive O'Neill. After losing a couple of early wickets, it was the partnership of the tournament between the experienced Grealey 61 not out and Beggs 35 not out that saw us home. This partnership showed how our bats are capable of taking quick singles and playing shots all around the ground. While the spin of Pakistan was a threat, it was neutralised by sensational batting. The only down side to this day was that Karen Young had split the webbing in between her fingers while fielding, requiring 5 stitches and ruling her out of the tournament. 'Kiwi' born Karen had been very impressive in the field and with the bat this season.

The following day, the squad earned a much needed rest day, with a trip to Amsterdam. For Killian the physio, and myself, it was a chance to get away from the girls and take a boat trip while the others spent their time shopping as girls do best. I'm sure the girls were equally happy to get a break from me too! ! it was just a real unwind pressure off day in amongst a very intense tournament. While the girls ran up the bills on their credit cards with the latest fashions, my only purchase was a replica windmill fridge magnet! ! I must say that this is one team that takes their fashion very seriously, indeed I think we should pursue an Oakley sponsorship as most of us sport a pair or two.

Before the tournament, I had looked at the game against Holland as being crucial. So here we were still in need of one win to qualify and up against the Dutch who needed a win to stay in the tournament on Day 5. Emma Beamish gained her first cap due to Karen's injury. A large colourful crowd had gathered in Den Haag to will the Dutch on. We had some support too, mainly John Wright, Mary Sharp, Ciara Metcalfe and Lee who draped two Irish flags amongst all the Orange. Beggs doggedly scored 34 important runs while O'Leary 20, Grealey 22 and a most valuable and entertaining 22 by Isobel Joyce at the death, gave us a total of 156 all out in the 49th over. On a heavy outfield, this seemed a competitive total to post. In a brilliant opening spell both McDonald and Whelan did damage getting 3 of the top 4 out for ducks and the crucial wicket of De Beest who had scored two century's in the tournament already. Holland had struggled to 87 - 8 when rain gave us victory on Duckworth Lewis. This was a great result, but somewhat of an anti-climax in the way it ended. Qualification secure, meant the girls could have their 2nd beer of the tournament. So home to bed we went dreaming of playing in the World Cup 2005 South Africa, a dream and goal from the start of the season that had just been secured.

On the last day of the tournament, we elected to bat against an out of form and very young Scotland side. Una Budd gained her first cap in this game and didn't disappoint scoring 33 not out off just 50 balls. Captain Shillington found impressive form with the bat scoring 45 while Beamish 40 hit some of the best shots straight down the ground to post a total of 228-5. The girls set themselves the target of bowling Scotland out for under 100 and sure enough they yet again achieved their goal, Scotland finishing on 96 all out. Isobel Joyce 4-31 and O'Neill 3-27 were the most impressive of the bowlers. A barbecue was then enjoyed with a beer or two at the club in Amstelveen where all the other teams had also been playing. The supporters mainly from Holland, Pakistan and the West Indies all sought the girls' autographs. Former coach 'Ginger' O'Brien, Camilla and squad member Lara Molins also watched this game. The celebrations continued long into the night for some, while others faded early due to being 'emotionally tired'! That night, many friends were made, and a lot of gear was swapped with the Japanese.

The next day was spent recovering and recharging for the Tournament Dinner that took place in Schevninger in a Restaurant on a Pier. It was a beautiful setting as Clare Shillington lifted the trophy before the meal and enjoyed her moment in what has been a fantastic season. The team received their medals and a tulip and enjoyed the free bar and wine. Barbara McDonald also deservedly picked up the prestigious Player of The Tournament Award for her outstanding bowling, with and economy rate of just over 1. In total although only scoring 4 runs, her bowling and fielding looked like this:

43 overs, 11 maidens, 61 runs, 2 catches

For Clare in her first season as captain, my first season as coach, and for the experienced and newcomers in the team, congratulations on achieving your goal and coming together as a very strong unit so quickly. 2005 might seem a long way a way but rest assured it will be on us fast, and we must start working even harder and continue our development. Put more pace into our game and learn to compete with the best in the World. We all look forward to the challenges that lie ahead during our forthcoming preparations and the tournament itself. It is an opportunity for the younger ones to come through if they are committed enough and a chance for the more experienced players to get fitter and push themselves further if they want to make it.