Purdy hoping to go Down Under

If Phil Simmons’ side defeat United Arab Emirates tomorrow morning, in Sharjah, they will have virtually one foot on the plane to Australia, but the former Donemana batsman won’t be taking anything for granted.

Porterfield, who was speaking to Sentinel Sport from Sharjah on Monday after he led Ireland to a five wicket win over the UAE to move four points clear of both Afghanistan and Scotland in the WCL Championship, believes tomorrow’s game also against UAE is going to be just as tough.

“It was a good win on Monday, but we have another big game on Wednesday,” stated the Killyclooney man.

“We are one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup, but it’s not going to be easy. They will be looking to reverse this result on Wednesday and even if we do manage to win, which we will be looking to do, I feel we’ll still not have qualified and because of that we’ll be taking it one game at a time.”

Porterfield, who collected a County Championship medal with Warwickshire last year, felt the bowling attack of George Dockrell, Alex Cusack, Trent Johnston and Paul Stirling were the men who laid the foundations to Monday’s success.

“Our bowling attack did very well for us and as well as bowling their line, their length was also spot on and they’ll need to spot-on again on Wednesday.

“Gary Wilson was also fantastic and he steadied the ship along with John Mooney and they guided us home quite comfortably in the end. But we know that on Wednesday it’s going to be even harder for us.

“That was UAE’s first defeat and they have beaten both Scotland and Afghanistan, so they are a good side

“I feel we still have more left in the tank and we’ll need to raise our game again on Wednesday, because they will come out with all guns blazing, but I know that we can.”

Despite having not played domestic cricket in Ireland for nearly a decade, Porterfield continues to keep an eye on what has happened in and around the North West scene and he too was interested with Strabane’s announcement that they had signed legend Decker Curry.

“Although Decker is well into his 40s, he obviously continues to be doing it at the highest level and I think Strabane have added a great player to their squad, they have also signed a very good bowler in Peter Connell, so they are going to be hard to beat this year.

“Brigade have also signed quite a few players, but obviously I’m hoping Donemana can do well again this year, they won a lot of cups last year and hopefully that happens again this season.”