The Lanzarote Select XI won the trophy for the second time in three years. Their 8 wicket victory in the final against Woodford Wells CC was a perfect execution of plan, bowling their opponents out for a modest score by taking early wickets, M. Tahiliani with 2 for 13 and S. Brettell with 2 for 22 being exceptional, putting pressure on the opposition throughout the innings with excellent bowling and fielding and when chasing 129 for victory batting confidently and aggressively, M. Tahiliani with an excellent 59, to win in 13 overs.
But the weekend had started well for Woodford Wells beating Casuals in their first match by 20 runs. Making 172 for 7 from 20 overs thanks to 40s from Rollins, Ellison and Ashwell Woodford Wells then bowled Casuals out for 152, Ashwell with 4 for 34 and Sinha with 3 for 10.
On the second day Woodford Wells played Rockcliffe CC knowing the winner would reach the final as Rockcliffe had also beaten Casuals on the first day.
Rockcliffe restricted Casuals to 135 after a fine opening spell of 3 for 10 by J. Freebirn and then an unbeaten 51 from Wharton saw Rockcliffe home in the 18th over for a comfortable 7 wicket win.
Against Rockcliffe Woodford Wells batted first reaching 175 for 5, Rollins 62 assisted by Rogers 42. Cross with bowling figures of 3 for 11. Rockcliffe never looked like chasing 176 to win however and once Wharton was out for 53 they could only reach 162. Rogers with 3 for 16.
Lanzarote Select XI beat Alder CC in their first game, making 168 all out. Fine bowling from Aitchison and Hadden who both finished with 3 for 22 for Alder. Unfortunately Alder never really looked like chasing down 169 once Scott was run out for 50 and reached 132.
The second day saw Lanzarote Select XI play last years winners Rickmansworth CC in arguably the game of the tournament. Batting first Lanzarote posted an impressive 198 for 2, M. Tahiliani 64 and D. Smith 75 not out were both excellent.
Chasing 199 Lanzarote managed to get out cheaply the dangerous Chapman, Stabler and Jones, only Chisholm with 74 offered real resistance as Rickmansworth reached 166 in their 20 overs.
In their second game Rickmansworth made the score of the tournament, 261 for 3, in beating Alder, 123 all out. Jones the main destroyer with a magnificent 147 not out.
So to finals day where Lanzarote emerged victorious. Lanzarotes Monish Tahiliani was named man of the tournament for his excellent batting and bowling performances. Rockcliffe CC were rewarded for a fine tournament as two of their players also received awards John Wharton batsmen of the tournament and Colin Cater bowler of the tournament.
A huge thankyou to all the visiting players and staff and to all the people here in Lanzarote who made our third year another success. We hope to see you again next year.
R. Shard – Lanzarote