"An improved performance, but still short of what is required at this level" was how Irish coach Brian O' Rourke summed up the 7 wicket defeat to the West Indies in the Plate Competition.

It had all looked so promising at one stage when James Hall (45), and James Shannon (20) had added 44 in 11 overs to take Ireland to 76 for 3 in the 23rd over.

However a rash shot from Shannon found Darren Bravo in the deep, and that signalled the loss of 4 wickets for 17 runs in 11 overs. West Indies skipper Steven Jacobs (3-18), in conjunction with the impressive left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (1-10) turning the screw on the Irish batsmen.

Ireland had earlier lost a flurry of wickets as the imposing left arm opening bowler Delorn Johnson (3-29)  brought a halt to what had been a promising start. 26-0 became 32-3 as Paul Stirling's miserable campaign continued, mistiming a hook to go for 7, Ackland (0) lasted just 5 balls, pushing the ball to short cover, and Dougherty (14) edged behind.

All credit to James Hall and Shane Getkate who brought respectabilty to the total, adding 45 in 14 overs, before a mix up saw Hall run out, denying him a well deserved half century. He hit 4 boundaries and a wonderful straight six in his 112 ball sojurn, and showed the technique and application needed at this level.

16 year old Shane Getkate, playing his first game of the competition, finished on 21 not out, looking a very accomplished player, and probably doing enough to warrant a place up the order.

Ireland finished on 154 for 9, which was a fine effort given they were 93/7, but still one felt about 30 short of what would be required.

In reply left hander Kieran Powell showed his intent by taking 10 off the opening over from Andrew Britton, advancing down the track on more than one occasion.

Britton did get a wicket in his next over, Miller edging to Ackland at slip. That didn't stop the flow of runs as Kyle Corbin (33), hit 7 boundaries, before being stumped by Dougherty off Thompson - 82 for 2. Just 7 runs later, Powell having reached 50 off just 44 balls (6 fours), hit a Thompson full toss straight down Theo Lawson's throat at midwicket, and at 89-3, Ireland were in with a slight chance.

Any hopes of victory were quickly snuffed out, as Steven Jacobs and Darren Bravo (brother of Dwayne), added 69 in 6.3 overs, dealing almost exclusively in boundaries. Jacobs (40*) hit 6 fours and 2 sixes, while Bravo (30*) hit 5 fours and a six from just 23 balls.

In total the West Indies hit 114 of their 158 total in boundaries, punishing anything remotely loose. Their power, timing and placement was of the highest order.

There was further bad news as James Hall had to leave the field after damaging his right hand attempting to take a return chance from Bravo. Britton was also off the field at this stage with a shin problem, while Gavin Mc Kenna also hasn't recovered from a combination of foot and ankle injuries.

Ireland will face Bermuda again on Friday, hoping for their first win of the campaign.