After introducing this new and exciting format of the game to Spain three years ago, the competition has gone from strength to strength, with teams entering from all across Spain and other parts of Europe. And thanks to the support of the tournament’s main sponsor the La Manga Club Resort, it looks as though 20/20 cricket is in Spain to stay.
The participants including a team from Ireland, three teams from Norway and teams from Barcelona, Alicante, Malaga, and other Spanish destinations.
The tournament was a resounding success, even despite the occasional delay caused by some unusual October rain. But this did not deter the enthusiasm and wonderfully positive attitude of the players and managers who were determined to play any shape or form of cricket that the organizers put together on the day. With the La Manga ground housing the best cricket pitches in Spain, the rain quickly drained away and all the matches went ahead as planned.
The first and second rounds of play were very closely fought, producing some exciting last ball finishes. All the teams that took part had some pretty good games and will have some interesting stories to talk about back in the club house in their home town.
The semi finals were between Sinsen A and Lions of Norway and the other semi final was fought out between Mojacar CC and Barcelona CC.
The grand final was between the last year’s winners Siensen A and T20 new comers
Barcelona CC.
Sinsen won the toss and elected to bat, which they did well for the first 4 over’s, making 42 runs, but once the wickets started to fall the rest of the Sinsen batsman had very little to offer-up at the crease and they suffered a collapse. Some fine bowling and catching from Barcelona restricted the score to 104 all out.
Barcelona then took up the challenge with the bat but the first ball of the innings claimed their opener for 0. However from then on the Barcelona batsmen got to grips with the game and having lost only 5 wickets they cruised home safely to win the La Manga Cup for the first time.
For Sinsen it was a poor performance by the senior players – losing their cool at times when it mattered causing, that lost them the game. For Barcelona it was a great win for a first time entrant into the tournament. Overall the Tournament was played to the Spirit of cricket that we all know and love.
George Wambeek, the Tournament Director, presented the Cup to an ecstatic Barcelona team who thoroughly deserved to win the Tournament despite some close games along the way. The Presentation ceremony was broadcast live on Barcelona Radio. The Lions of Norway were placed 3rd on superior Over Run Rate to Mojacar. The Man of the Tournament was Zaka of Barcelona.
George Wambeek thanked the panel of 8 Umpires who did a great job officiating at the tournament and in return they were well looked after by La Manga Club.
Thanks must go to George Wambeek and all his Staff for a well organised three Day event. There would not be a 20/20 without the Tournament Director who put a lot of work into getting the sides over to La Manga from across Europe and working with La Manga Club and their staff to ensure the event was a success.
Next years Tournament will take place around the 20th September which should be much warmer and sunnier – and without rain!
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