Cricket: The chasm that separates these teams means Australia hardly needed to break into a jog to beat Ireland in the women's World Cup, as they did yesterday.

But such is the level of professionalism and dedication within the Aussie camp, they played this game as hard as if it were the final itself. No quarter was given to the Irish and, as a result, it was an annihilation.

Winning the toss, Ireland decided to bat, and although they showed good concentration and application, the accuracy of the Aussies' attack constricted any hopes Clare Shillinton's team had of posting a competitive score.

Miriam Grealey top scored on 21 as the Irish struggled to 66 for 8 off 50 overs. With a run-rate of just over one per over, and no fewer than 17 maidens being bowled, it was not easy to watch.

The Aussies gave very little away, with the vastly experienced Catherine Fitzpatrick the pick of the bowlers. Her Andy Bichel-like style of right-arm fast bowling yielded two wickets for just nine runs off her 10 overs.

With the bat, it took Australia's openers just 14 overs to reach their target and they did it without losing a wicket. Skipper Belinda Clark ended up not out on 35 and Lisa Sthalekar unbeaten on 28.

Ireland now face Sri Lanka in the last match tomorrow with only pride left to play for. It is a match they can win as the Sri Lankans are similarly placed, without a victory, at the bottom of the table.

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