Cregagh CC of Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently toured Lanzarote, below is an article of the tour courtesy of Lanzarote Cricket Association
Over the weekend of June 7, 8 and 9 the LCA had the pleasure of hosting a touring team from Belfast, Cregagh CC
We played three games over three days against them. On Friday a 30 overs game saw Lanzarote bat first. Some strong batting from the top four led by Man Of The Match Justin Hay with an unbeaten 72 saw the hosts reach 247 for 3. With a required run rate of 8 an over Cregagh needed to bat well and they started impressively.
However regular wickets slowed their chase and despite 44 from David McCormick the visitors were bowled out for 137, Jon Bailey with the excellent figures of 3 for 15. Lanzarote 247 for 3 beat Cregagh 137 all out by 110 runs. On Saturday the two teams played out a 20 over contest. Once again Lanzarote batted first. Some fine Cregagh bowling, led by Ian Kerr with 4 for 19, restricted the hosts to 104 all out.
In reply the tourists again lost wickets at inopportune moments. With the match in the balance going into the final few overs an inspired burst by Nathan Holmes, who finished with 4 for 16, and some impressive death bowling by Man Of The Match Jamie Rogerson saw Cregagh fall 2 agonising runs short of victory. Lanzarote 104 all out beat Cregagh 102 all out by 2 runs.
Sunday saw the Lanzarote Select XI play the tourists in a 25 over game. Batting first the hosts made 216 for 5. Man Of The Match Craig Andrew contributing 76. Neil Pinkerton was Cregaghs best bowler with 2 for 43. Chasing a big score the visitors never really looked like achieving their target but fine innings from both David McCormick with 46 and Craig Copeland with 39 saw them reach 175 for 9 in their allotted overs. Lanzarote Select XI 216 for 5 beat Cregagh 175 for 9 by 41 runs.
Cregagh CC are a great set of lads and their love of the game shone through all three days as the games were played in a friendly yet competitive spirit. I’m sure their entire tour party of over 20 people thoroughly enjoyed their stay and we would love to see them come back soon !!!