It's a memorable run chase back in 2004 as Ireland knocked off 292 to beat the West Indies at Stormont which is the favourite memory of John Boomer.

John Boomer played club cricket with Donaghadee, but it was an umpire and ICC Match and Tournament referee that he excelled. John is a founding member of CricketEurope and has compiled the extensive statszones which are such an integral part of the site, charting the history of all games played by both the men and women teams amongst others.

MY FAVOURITE GAME(S): Nos 582 and 583: Ireland v West Indies 2004

I think two matches personally stand out for me. Series v West Indies Matches 582 & 3 at Stormont . 16-17 June 2004.

The first match was one I umpired with Trevor (Trigger) Henry. It was the first match in which Ireland played in coloured clothing.

Brian Lara was the West Indies captain and held the first class record score of 501* and the Test record of 400*, both records which are still standing today.

West Indies batted first and Trent Johnston opened at the Dundonald end. He quietly asked me to warn him if he was close to a no ball. Happy to oblige - just following the advice of the Australian umpire Darrell Hair from an Umpires' meeting.

There were quite a few big appeals to be answered for lbw and caught behind in particular against Lara. Indeed Lara wasn't happy about some chirping from Ireland's wicket keeper Niall O'Brien. Lara said he would always walk if he edged it to the keeper - umpires would be rich if they were paid for every time they heard this from a batsman.

Lara was top scorer with 106 off just 99 balls with 4 sixes. One of the sixes cleared one of the many marquees on the ground and struck Gordon Cooke's 9 year-old son Curtis on the head. Then Gordon Cooke strained ligaments whilst fielding and he joined Curtis in an ambulance. Later Brian Lara presented his batting gloves to Curtis as a small consolation.

Ireland contained West Indies to just 242 but only managed 146 with Kyle McCallan top scoring on 32 .

But Ireland did not have long to wait to gain revenge winning handsomely in the second by 4 wickets chasing WI's 292. This time Dwayne Bravo was the WI's century maker with 100 not out off just 65 balls.

Gary Wilson who was a schoolboy at the time changed out of his uniform and came on as a sub to take two catches, including Lara. He would make his full debut the following year against the MCC at Bangor.

Ireland started their reply with a century opening partnership and the runs just kept coming to reach the target with over 3 overs remaining. Ireland's top scorers were Jeremy Bray (71), Jason Molins (66), Niall O'Brien (58*) and Andrew White (32*) . Eoin Morgan not getting in to bat!

The sun shone, there were big crowds at both games and evidence that this Ireland team was going places. It wouldn't be long before they were appearing in World Cups, and winning.