First Box Ticked for Porterfield As Ambitious Ireland Account for West Indies in High Scoring Group B Opener

A Calm Irish Captain William Porterfield was happy with his team's performance in today's excellent win against the West Indies. He was particularly pleased with the ease in which his batsmen, including himself, chased down the more than adequate 304 set by the West Indies.

Ireland set a high standard in the field, and surpassed that with their brilliant batting display. However Porterfield realises that having set such a high standard, Ireland will have to be at their best to match it in future games.

Barry Chambers: William a fantastic win - fully deserved.

William Porterfield: Yeah it was. I think the way we played there throughout those 100 overs was great. And as you said it was a very deserved win. One of the most pleasing things, as well, was how we chased the runs down, that intent we had right throughout the innings.

Barry Chambers: And it's amazing, I was around the camp yesterday, and you all seemed very nervous, very tense. But today very relaxed and you went out with a real positive attitude, and really took it to the West Indies?

William Porterfield: Yeah we've had two very good days training. The first day we had a long session, and it was a very good session. And then, as I said yesterday it was kind of about ticking boxes and making sure we were right to go today, and doing individual preparation.

But the way the lads rocked up today, and there was a confident mood within the camp. And the way we started with the ball, which we haven't necessarily done in the last couple of practice games, we were right on the money for the first ten overs.

And we carried that on throughout. And picking up wickets was obviously crucial in any form of cricket. But in this form of cricket just the way teams are set up coming down the back end, it can be very difficult. And I thought the lads stuck at it very well.

Barry Chambers: And a fellow Donemana man Andy McBrine, World Cup debut, no problem, 0 for 26 in 10 overs?

William Porterfield: Yeah I thought he bowled fantastically well. He's been doing that now on a regular basis, and showing what he can do, and not only in the nets, but in any games he gets the opportunity in.

And to come out there as well, and it's not the biggest boundary that he's bowling to. And to come off with figures, bowling a couple in the power play as well, come off with figures of 0 for 26 was a great effort.

Barry Chambers: And the batsmen, Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce absolutely fantastic, Niall O'Brien?

William Porterfield: Yeah, you named them all there. I think once we got that bit of a platform, the intent the lads came in with I think, and carried that on throughout the innings, and never gave the West Indies any respite from there.

It was great to see, and it's something we've obviously talked about as well, is having that intent and positivity throughout our innings.

Barry Chambers: And obviously this one will mean nothing if you don't beat the UAE?

William Porterfield: Oh yeah, like all being said it's the first game of the competition. So we knew, we've spoken about every game being a two pointer for us. And going out there to win every game.

So that's one box ticked if you like, and that's two points in the bag. But as you said we've got to now go away and prepare for the UAE. And every game subsequent to that.

Barry Chambers: Congratulations, enjoy tonight.

William Porterfield: Thanks.