An Irish view: Determination to improve helps deal with disappointment

Sandra Dawson

December 5, 2000

In her CricInfo Women's World Cup diary Sandra Dawson reflects on the disappointment of losing from a strong position against Sri Lanka, and reveals her frustration at failing to make the Irish starting XI

"It's been a hard day's night", as one Beatle said to the other! Ok, so it beats "a tough day at the office..."

The Lincoln Green crowd witnessed a nail-biter that should have been a comfortable victory for the 'Oirish'. Having won the toss and elected to field, on an ordinary wicket with low bounce, we contained Sri Lanka to 129 all out. Feeling confident at the break, the Ireland openers (Karen Young and Caitriona Beggs) took their time to get used to their bowling attack and pick off the runs, though it was hard to hear the calling between the batsmen. Ho hum, after losing a couple of key wickets we struggled to find momentum and got a tad bogged down waiting for the bad ball which rarely came our way.

The key to today's game was not playing with a cool head. We generally play with guts but on this occasion they went AWOL and collectively we lost our heads, and as a consequence lost sight of the run-rate and target required.

Wickets were lost at vital stages of the match and good shots were going to hand rather than through the gaps for ones or twos. Consequently we were always under pressure and, as we all know, that is a hard, especially when the opposition are bowling straight fielding keenly.

Disappointment is too easy a word to sum up today's performance; whilst our team spirit remains high we collectively and individually have to take responsibility for our loss. This could cost us dearly however; we have enough talent and belief to fight back. Bring on the next team.

Being in a position of empowerment, this journalism 'craic' is a hard place to be especially when I've been asked to write about team and personal emotions when I've yet to be selected myself! Objectivity suddenly becomes difficult and, whilst wanting to be positive and supportive to fellow squadies, it is sometimes tough to be upbeat and gung-ho when all you really want is to put on a pair of leather gloves and taste international standard once again. C'est la vie - one must succumb to strategy - let's hope it pays off.

Generally speaking our mood is buoyant and we are ready to show other nations that despite our lack of governmental or lottery support, we have progressed through sheer hard work; the labour of our committed squad, invaluable support team (Coach, Manager, anonymous 'team owner') and relentless sub-committees have made it all possible.

Our daily regime is quite straightforward - up relatively early, 'brekie', have net sessions and/or watch other matches on campus, enjoy the on-campus culinary delights, discuss tactics at team meetings and perhaps sip a light beverage before retiring to the comfort of Ireland House HQ before curfew.

Perhaps for some, the sharp shock of having to do your own laundry /domesticity is becoming a harsh reality, as 'mum' isn't around to lend a helping hand!

The Irish squad have been in reasonable form. We did suffer at the hands of New Zealand and Australia but it is clear that those two nations continue to widen the gap between the hemispheres in terms of class, flair and sheer ability.

All we have to do is 'go out there and enjoy ourselves' - oh yes, and win......!

Sandra Dawson uses and recommends Gunn & Moore exclusively

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Sandra Dawson

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CricInfo Women's World Cup

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Ireland