Scoreboardless at Stormont

Much of the first 94 overs we witnessed on Wednesday were humdrum. But before Netherlands imploded, and Kevin O'Brien came to the fore, the real drama was to be seen outside the boundary.

The day began under clear blue skies, in a sea-blue media tent, in which we discovered our umbilical cord - the internet - had been cut off. It somehow worked its way back into life once we'd discovered the best (and most awkward) position to sit with our laptops, but worse (or better, depending on your point of view) was to happen.

Towards the end of Ireland's innings, the scoreboard packed up. Gone. Finished. Apparently a fuse had blown, which sounds easily replaceable. But in spite of the engineer's best efforts - which included receiving detailed maps of the fuse box being emailed to him - the board shut up shop for the day. Much arm-waving was seen from the referee's box where Chris Broad, sat directly opposite it, was officiating, but not even he could fix it.

The lack of a scorecard prompted the announcer to reveal the scores every two or three overs over the impressively ear-shattering PA system, seemingly located inside my eardrum - a situation which caused much hilarity. With Netherlands fielding the indecipherable Eric Szwarczynski and the tongue-twisting Bas Zuiderent, there were frequent amusing pauses. "The incoming batsman is...Bas......Zweedurran...t". Well, at least he got their first names right. Also spotted around the boundary was West Indies' coach, David Moore, who, camoflaged in civvies, gave a knowing nod, no doubt keeping a close eye on Ireland's progress ahead of their clash on Saturday.

West Indies really are taking these games seriously, which is just what the tournament needs.