Don't judge us by today's games: Johnston

A crushing defeat at the hands of Lankans nonethelss, debutants Ireland signed off from the World Cup stage with their heads held high after competing for over a month with the best in business and showcasing their heart, if not the depth, with which they played their games.

Skipper Trent Johnston urged the cricketing world not to judge the team's performance on the basis of the Lanka game -- which they lost by eight wickets in no time -- but to spare a thought for their display against top-class teams at the grandest of stages.

''It was another tough game for us. That is why Sri Lanka are one of the tournament favourites. We started off OK and then the quality of their bowlers came into their own,'' he said after the match.

''I certainly hope the people of the Caribbean and the world won't judge us on this game. We've had one hell of a tour and I've been proud of all 15 guys that we've brought out here.'' He said defeating Pakistan in the preliminary stage was the highlight of their Caribbean sojourn.

''The highlight of the World Cup for us was probably after we beat Pakistan when we went back to all our families and friends in Ocho Rios in Jamaica. That was a special time for us, seeing all the support that we had.

''I've appreciated our supporters, especially the people who have travelled so far to back us through this World Cup. For me that was a special moment.'' Johnston said his team, rank outsiders, came with a single-point agenda: to raise the profile of Irish cricket, and they were successful in attaining that.

''Our goal was to come out and try to raise the profile of Irish cricket, not just to prove to people around the world that Ireland could play cricket but also in our own back yard where a lot of people don't know that cricket is played but they certainly do now.

That goal is achieved now and we can let our hair down tonight and reflect on what has been a great seven weeks.'' He paid rich tribute to outgoing coach Adrain Birrell and said he was a huge servant to Irish cricket.

''I'd like to thank our coach Adrian Birrell. This is his last game in-charge. It's not the send-off I'd like to give him but from all the boys, we really appreciate the effort. From all Irish cricket followers we thank him very much for what he's done for us. He has been a huge servant to Irish cricket.'' UNI HSB PDS RK1930

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