A Second team double header versus Madrid II hails a new era for La Manga Cricket Club
League cricket returned to La Manga Club at the weekend with Madrid II team the visitors. Initially Madrid were due to play a game on Saturday versus La Manga II’s and Almanzora on the Sunday, however due to Almanzora being unable to play their game, La Manga agreed to a second game at short notice.
On Saturday, Madrid batted first and a steady opening partnership between D Stirton (24) and J Bancroft (20) saw 48 runs put on for the first wicket, which fell just before drinks when Bancroft was caught off the bowling of Dave Warwick. They say drinks bring wickets and that was the case as the next 7 over’s bought just 14 runs and 3 more wickets. 2 more to Dave Warwick and one to Hugh James. La Manga were starting to get on top with wickets falling and partnerships hard to find, however, R Singupta batted very well to score 68 not out and with numbers 8 and 9 Sarangapani (15) and Babu (14 not out) took Madrid to a 40 over total of 181 for 8. Stand out bowling for La Manga was 3 for 21 from Dave Warwick and 2 for 36 from Hugh James.
(La Manga’s Charlie Hunt in action v Madrid II)
La Manga looked to start positively in reply but lost Harbour to an early Run Out and then Rumistrewicz and Wharton both fell cheaply soon after. At the other end, opener Simpkins was playing well and received great support from 15 year old Rupert James who supported his partner through to a great 50. However on 53 Simpkins was bowled by Sarangapani, seeing the game swing back in Madrid’s favour. As in Madrid’s innings, wickets started to fall although James played with great maturity for his 19 and 13 year old Charlie Hunt gave signs of things to come with 16. Dave Warwick ended 21 not out as La Manga finished 160 for 9 giving Madrid a winning draw. Madrid used 7 bowlers, 6 of who took wickets.
Madrid took 15 points while La Manga took 9 points.
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It was even hotter on Sunday as an even younger La Manga side took the pitch for game 2. La Manga batted first on this occasion but struggled early on, losing Vine, Rumistrewicz and R James with only 21 on the board. This bought Dave Warwick to the crease, a good 50 years older than his 13 year old batting partner Charlie Hunt.
In what can only be described as a fabulous partnership these two batted superbly, scoring 97 runs and taking the score to 118 before Charlie was run out by a great direct hit from the Madrid fielder. Charlie scored 24 of the partnership and was given a great ovation by the Madrid fielders (brilliant to see) and a standing ovation by his team mates. Sadly for La Manga Dave Warwick was out soon after for a really good, age equalling 65 but the innings faded and La Manga ended their 40 overs on 133 for 8.
(Charlie Hunt (13) and Dave Warwick (65) in their 97 run partnership)
Madrid changed their order from the Saturday, Babu following his red inker at number 9 was promoted to number one and enjoyed the pace created by Tom Vine, scoring an impressive 52. Although La Manga took wickets at intervals runs were coming and contributions from most of the batsmen saw Madrid reach their target in the 28th over for the loss of 7 wickets. T Vine took 2 for 55 and P Brimble 3 for 17 as the pick of the La Manga bowlers.
Madrid took 24 points from this (their home game) and La Manga 5 points.
It was a great weekend of cricket, played in a superb spirit and La Manga CC pass their thanks to the guys from Madrid for playing their part in this.
It is a new era for La Manga and the weekend saw the beginnings of the rewards we hope to gain from all of the work the coaches under Neil Brook have put in through the winter.
Andy House
(Dave Warwick leaving the pitch after scoring 65 for La Manga)
(Footnote) – La Manga’s team on Saturday included Charlie Hunt aged 13, Robbie Williams aged 14 and Rupert James aged 15 (who all made great contributions over the weekend) and on Sunday, joining these 3 were Theo Rumistrewicz (aged 12 and his 11 year old brother Charlie).
Captain Ian Hunt and all of the senior players in the team provided great encouragement and support to all of the juniors as we look to these to become the heart of the club over the years to come.