IRISH cricket officials are toying with the idea of offering semi-professional contracts to the national side as they embark on a greatly expanded programme in 2006 and 2007, culminating with the World Cup in the West Indies.

West Indies slumped to a devastating six-wicket defeat at the hands of amateurs Ireland on the eve of the NatWest Triangular Series.

After 49.5 overs of the rain-interrupted C&G Trophy second-round clash between Ireland and Surrey, the English county champions are all out for 261 runs at Castle Avenue, Clontarf.