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Cricket Ireland President Robin Walsh has remained in Bangladesh to support the Ireland Women’s team in their first ever ICC Women’s World Twenty20 and he writes his latest presidential diary from Sylhet.
TUESDAY MARCH 25:

Back at the scene of the crime: the National Stadium, Sylhet, where four days earlier Ireland had been decimated by the Dutch. Painful memories as I survey the graveyard of the World T20 hopes where six after six had cascaded into the stands. And painful television viewing last night as The Netherlands plummeted to the lowest ever World T20 score of 39 in their opening Super 10 against Sri Lanka. Disaster for the Associate countries …. how would Ireland have fared …. too many thoughts.

But now it’s total concentration on another game as the women open their World T20 campaign against a New Zealand side installed as favourites after their defeat of holders Australia. Detailed reports appear elsewhere on the site and despite a 40-run defeat, I came away from the stadium in a really positive frame of mind. There may have been lapses in the field and not all bowling plans went according to script but a spirited batting display left me with the overall impression of better things to come. There was much improvement since I last saw the side when they qualified for these finals in Dublin last summer.

Back in the hotel the players were disappointed and that against a top ranking team. Good, I said – you’re going in the right direction.

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We’ve been a merry little bunch in the ICC box, but careful what you say about players when surrounded by three mums, two dads and a sister. Particularly when the action centres on Emma Flanagan, Mary Waldron and Elena Tice. As far as disappointments are concerned it was almost as sharp as they come for Emma’s mother Maeve and sister Sara. They arrived yesterday to the news that Emma had stitches in her right hand as a result of a fielding injury and may not play. Dismay all round. But an injection shortly before the start allowed Emma to take the field and the signs are good for the remaining games.

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But not so lucky for Rhoda and Seamus Waldron three years when they were suited and booted and ready to depart for Sri Lanka to support daughter Mary and the team. However, a few days before the Ireland squad were due to depart Mary developed back problems – not the best for wicket-keeping – and was forced to withdraw. Tickets paid for; really no alternative for mum and dad. I suspect they will enjoy the games more here than in Sri Lanka.

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George and Scarlett Tice have travelled a mile or two to encourage daughter Elena at the tender age of 16. Three years ago Elena was the second youngest ever to play international cricket when she was 13 although her spot was taken by Lucy O’Reilly only last summer when she was one month younger on her debut in the qualifying tournament. George and Scarlett bring excellent cricket news that son Patrick, of Under 19 international honours, has been included in the Cambridge University squad in which he will join former Under 19 team mate Ben Wylie of Instonians.

THURSDAY MARCH 26

A two hour training session under the eagle eyes of coach Trent Johnston and his right hand man, coaching consultant Mark Lane. The fielding drills have a touch of psychology about them. One misfield by a player carries the consequence of five press-ups for each member of the squad. Concentrates the mind. The larger-than-life Lane coached the England women’s team to World Cup success during a five year stint and has just secured the position of director of the new Middlesex County Academy set-up.

Early to bed for all and sundry with another big day tomorrow at the National Stadium (9.30am Irish Time). A little matter of the World T20 holders Australia, smarting under their defeat by New Zealand. Australia sit top of the women’s rankings, Ireland 10th, but the gap will not manifest itself in attitude; not with players around like skipper Isobel Joyce, third in the world all-rounder rankings, and Clare Shillington, 10th in the batting,

Robin Walsh
Cricket Ireland’s Richard Holdsworth & Robin Walsh with George & Scarlett Tice, Sara & Maeve Flanagan and Rhoda & Seamus Waldron
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