Ireland lost to one of the tournament favourites Wesy Indies in the first of their two warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup qualifiers that get underway in earnest this coming week.

Batting first, Gaby Lewis hit 8 fours as she quickly got into her stride, making an even-time 45 before retiring out.

Amy Hunter and Orla Prendergast went cheaply after Sarah Forbes (19), but a fluent fourth wicket stand between Laura Delany and Leah Paul got the innings back on track.

Paul hit six fours and the innings only six in a fluent 43-ball 46, adding 74 for the fourth wicket with her former captain.

A flurry of wickets threatened to undo their good work but Delany's unbeaten 67 (8 fours) saw her and Cara Murray (28*) shared an unbroken 9th wicket partnership of 59 to take Ed Joyce's side to what looked a decent total of 248 for 8.

However, the Windies opening pair of Hayley Matthews (55) and Zaida James (47) soon put a dent in that as they shared an opening stand of 90.

Cara Murray on her return to Irish colours got the breakthrough, and when she and debutant Kia McCartney struck twice in the space of three balls, there was a chink of light at 124 for 3.

However, Stafanie Taylor's rapid unbeaten 53 all but settled the contest. Despite a third wicket for Murray (3-73) and one for Louise Little, the result was rarely iin doubt.

Ireland used no fewer than ten bowlers with Ed Joyce's side opting to get the rust out of their legs ahead of the quest to get one of the two qualification slots on offer.

They are next in action on Monday when they play Thailand in their second and final warm-up match.