SPORTING ALFAS DENT MADRID´S TITLE CHANCES

Consecutive victories over the weekend gave the Sporting Alfas second team every chance of winning the development league and in turn put a major dent to Madrid´s title dreams.

On Saturday Madrid were put in to bat after an eventful trip to the Woodbridge Oval that had seen their mininbus breakdown 120 kms from the ground. Taking taxis covered by insurance the rest of the distance the visitors were hoping to keep the home side out in the sun for as long as possible.

However, things did not go according to the Madrid game plan and they were bowled out for 112. Pete Fell and Pete Taylor were the main thorn in Madrid´s side with their duo act of slow left arm spin bowling. Both took wickets at ease for the minimum of runs and Howden chipped in with 2-11 towards the end of the Madrid innings.

Alfas lost quick wickets and stuttered for a while but partnerships from Cooper and McKinstry and a 21 not out by Braithwaite saw the home side home with several overs and wickets to spare.

Sundays game saw Alfas win the toss and the home side again instructed the visitors to bat. Madrid´s innings second time around was a much improved performance on the day before and they made 158 for 8 with Ian Blake making a fine half century. For Alfas, Jamie Roper was in great form with the ball and he took three wickets in four balls, finally ending with four for 20.

Alfas lost opener Evans early after he got an inside edge to the keeper and then Spencer Dawes fell in exactly the same manner as the day before, swishing all round an inswinger that Shah bowled from wide of the bowling crease. It was left to McKinstry and Cooper to steady the ship and make a major dent into the Madrid total. Roper came in with the dismissal of Cooper and along with the opener Mckinstry helped to see the game home with 5 wickets to spare.

Alfas took 19 points from both games, whilst Madrid took 5 points from the first game and another 5 points from the second to remain at the top of the table but having now finished their league games the chances of them remaining there come the end of the season look slim.