La Manga Cricket Club and Cricket Espana achieved another first last week when they hosted their first ever World Cricket Tournament. The event was the ICC World Qualifier for Division 8 with the winners going forward to play in Samoa in a few months time against the likes of Japan, Singapore and Norway.
The tournament organiser for the event was the Director of Spanish Cricket George Wambeek, and he was ably supported throughout the week by volunters from the La Manga Club.
The volunteers did everything from airport pick ups in Alicante and Murcia to getting the grounds were ready for play and ensuring all the players and officials received lunches at the interval and drinks as and when needed.
The four teams competing were Belgium, France, Austria, and Belgium, which again was a new concept for ICC Europe, as it was the first time an event had been held without the host nation playing in the competition.
Belgium went through the tournament undefeated and qualified for Samoa under the tutorledge of coach Jack Richards,the former Surrey and England wicket keeper. France came second. losing only to Belgium,whilst Gibraltar beat Austria on the opening day to secure third spot. Despite being on top in all their games at one stage Austria failed to win a match and headed back to Vienna pointless.
During the event George Wambeek was interviewed by ICC Europe TV about the growth of cricket in Spain. Here is a link to that interview below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkrkZbeDTjM&feature=youtu.be
LA MANGA CLUB HELPERS
THANKS FROM BELGIUM
George, John,