Porterfield leads way as Ireland march on

WILLIAM PORTERFIELD led Ireland to a fifth victory in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers yesterday, the seven-wicket winning margin against Namibia putting them at odds-on to make a clean sweep.

Porterfield, in the form of his life, will be disappointed he popped a return catch on 84 when a second century in eight days was there for the taking but Niall O’Brien’s 64 not out took Ireland over the line with five overs to spare.

The south-west Africans had proved doughty opponents in two wonderful InterContinental Cup matches before Christmas but they were never in contention here after winning the toss and slipping to 66 for six.