Saturday saw frequent visitors Big West return. They predominantly hail from Oxted Surrey which is at the foot of the North Downs.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat on a bright yet blustery day.
Menorca’s opening partnership of Wilson and skipper Cotton kept the run rate down with some tight bowling. Menorca’s hardest working estate agent particularly miserly conceding less than 2 an over from his allotted eight.
Big West’s opener Bowes made a steady 42, P Westcott top scored with 48 and K Westcott contributed a useful 39.
Menorca’s bowling unit combined impressively to restrict the visitors to 173/6 from their 40 overs Cotton’s 2/15 the highlight.
Menorca’s reply was laboured initially. Sturgeon and Hagger finding runs hard to come by. Former trader Sturgeon’s innings anything but bullish as he was dismissed for 11 in the 11th over. The drudgery continued as Tysoe struggled to pierce the infield also. Hagger fortunately did find some fluidity before he was caught for 30.
Enter Cockroft senior who set about the opposition attack with belligerence and contempt of anything resembling line and length. His innings along with a useful knock from M Ali put the hosts firmly in the driving seat. A couple of lusty blows from the skipper following Cockrofts dismissal for 54 helped get Menorca over the line with 4 wickets and 4 overs to spare.
Sunday’s game was once again played in blustery conditions. The tramontana wind unrelenting over the weekend and still very much prevalent as I scribe.
Menorca batted first and followed a similar pattern to Saturday’s innings with openers Roussel and Dow struggling to make an impact at the top of the order. Thankfully there were useful contributions in the middle order from Akter Husain 35 and the wily Wilson who top scored with 44.
Menorca accumulated 183/8 in their allotted 40. New 3/33 and Hall 2/28 the pick of the opposition attack.
Big West’s reply was anchored superbly by Phil Westcott who top scored with 64 to cap off a good weekend for himself. He was ably supported by New 44 and Hall 27* There were a couple of wickets apiece for debutant H Ali and stalwart Brayne. Big West reaching the required target with 3 overs remaining and 5 wickets to spare.
The Balearic cup is next up at Biniparrell. The annual competition starts on Friday with Menorca v Ibiza first up. The 2 visiting sides lock horns on Saturday and Menorca round off the tournament against a new look Mallorca side on Sunday.
It promises to be a great weekend of cricket. Games start at 13.30
The bar will be fully stocked. Hot and cold food will be available too.
We look forward to welcoming everybody to Biniparrell the home of Balearic cricket.
MENORCA CC