April saw the return of cricket to the VCG and after a successful intersquad t20 on Sunday 6th it was visitors CheadleCC CC who were to put Levante to the sword the following weekend…
Arriving on the Friday a day-night T20 under the floodlights was the opening game for Cheadle CC and it proved to be a challenge for the inexperienced Levante seconds, loose bowling and apathy in the field gave the visitors the chance to open their shoulders amassing a daunting target of 195.
The Levante innings started slowly and never got going after some needless run outs and poor shot selection eventually reaching 97/7 after their 20 overs.
On the Saturday a closer game was predicted but in spite of a late night out seeing the sights in Valencia, the Cheadle batsmen had no problem in dispatching the ball to all parts of, and out of, the ground. Racing to a 328 total. Heads went down in the Levante field and they knew they had it all to do with the bat against some tight bowling from the young opposition.
A good start from Rhys Morgan and veteran Tony Little looked promising but gradually the run rate required was increasing and a middle order collapse saw Levante go from 150/3 To 190 all out. Morgan, Tony and a first 50 for new player Usman were the pick of the batsmen.
All in all a wakeup call for Levante who will be playing in the demanding first division this year, their first league game will be at the VCG on Sunday 27th April against the mighty Alcorcon.
Following the game a barbecue was held at the newly constructed bar and speeches and presentations were exchanged between the captains, the beer flowed and the family atmosphere capped a great weekend of cricket with some new faces all enjoying a sunny spring evening at the riverbed ground.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out with teas, drinks, umpiring and preparing the ground. It’s going to be a long season, but we are Levante CC. Amunt.
Dave Tivey
Levante CC