Beeston and Totton Sycamore Cricket Club’s Lanzarote Tour
Shortly after being met by Gill, Lesley & Jack at Arrecife airport it wasn’t long before the BaTs players were seriously discussing their tactics for their forthcoming matches and where better place than by the pool bar of the complex with a lager or 3 in front of them. BaTs had requested to play 3 matches during their week long stay in Puerto del Carmen, which gave the Lanzarote Cricket Association the opportunity for as many LCA players to get a game as possible. It is always a pleasure for teams to visit us having different standards & styles of playing, after all, if you play against the same people each season it’s not too difficult to know how they will bowl or their style of batting.
Match No.1 saw Dennis Wright & David Hoon opening the batting, an lbw shout from Pete Starmer then a catch off the bowling of Climie saw the visitors 2 down for 67 runs. At the 15 over drinks break a respectable 93 runs on the board. The next two wickets went quite cheaply and it took Simon Widdison 7×4’s on his way to their top score of 51to keep BaTs on track, after his wicket courtesy of Rodders the tailenders didn’t have much to offer. Final score 174 off 30 overs. Bowling credit goes to Climie 5-0-36-3 & Rodders 4-0-17-2. The LCA team started off rather nightmarish with 3 wickets down for just 45 runs, excellent catches and superb bowling by Andrew Blunt. James Swann & Monish had a great batting partnership taking the score to 143 when James, on 60, was victim of another catch this time in the safe hands of Paul Hanspal , Monish was retired on 57 and once again the tail enders floundered slightly, however, a win for LCA 180 for 7 off 23. This time, credit to Paul Manning 2-0-7-3. Shot of the day goes to Martyn Powell who attempted a reverse sweep, missed everything and ended up looking like a drunken jellyfish, leave it to Peterson next time !!!!.
Match No.2 on Sunday had BaTs facing one of LCA’s stronger teams. Having had a free day previously the lads certainly looked as though they had made the most of Lanzarote hospitality. Neil French & Dave Smith opened for the LCA and basically knocked the ball all over the ground, Neil retired on 50 & Dave after hitting his ton, it wasn’t until the LCA reached 179 that the first wicket was taken. Not a good day for BaTs as LCA racked up 217 runs for 3 in 30 overs, Darren Spurr’s wicket going in the last over, victim of the safe hands of Dennis, courtesy ofbowler Arnie, who finished on 6-0-34-2. Once again Martyn managed an unusual style of play, this time he & Darren didn’t quite communicate properly and somehow the pair of them clashed midway between the stumps and both ended up on the deck,(I would love to see your training sessions !!) In reply BaTs just couldn’t match the home team and due to bowling figures of 4-0-26-3 from Gary Cooper & 6-1-24-2 from Dave Smith they were all out for 140 in 22 overs. Post match laments were soon forgotten when Darren Spurr, proprietor of the superb La Cabana restaurant began to fire up the barbeque. After a wonderful feast it was decided that an impromptu footie penalty shoot out was in order. What could be better, a friendly game of cricket, sun, good food, a few beers and a bit of fun, what we believe a tour should be about.
The final match was the closest during the week, this time Glenn Morley takes most credit, 3 caught and 1 stumped. LCA began well and at the 20th over had amassed a respectful 103 for 1, captain Craig retired on 50, the next wicket went for just 1 run, but once again the home team just couldn’t put it all together with 22 from Chris Smith being the next highest score. Final score was 174 for 6 off 30, however 39 were extras, shame about that. Peter Manning once again best bowling figures 6-0-43-3.
All through the BaTs innings they were on par with their opponents run rate,Glenn Morley knocking 6×4’s to 35 before being bowled.
A run out didn’t help in the 1elp in the 17th over. Jason Catchpole was caught on 16 runs on the boundary by Geoff Dean. Having began so optimistic for a win, the LCA were once again winners, BaTs losing by 20 runs (29 extras this time) Martyn actually managed to stay upright, his bowling figures 3-0-23-2.
As always, thanks to all who gave up their time to help out making another successful tour. Any club wishing to play in Lanzarote please contact talbotjack@hotmail.com.
Personal note from Gill, aka chauffeur, translator & photographer… glad you enjoyed the tour, hope to see you again.