Costa del Sol Lady Cricketers make history and produce quality display
First Ever Spanish “All Ladies” Cricket Match Report
The first ever “All Ladies” Cricket match to be held in the Kingdom of Spain took place on Sunday 28th November 2004 at the Grasseuropa Cricket Ground in Cartama between the Provinces of Malaga and Cadiz. It was a brilliant day in every aspect. The match was played after the “P.G Tips” Junior Under 14 League matches with a Mens League match also taking place on the adjacent ground. It was a great day.
The “All Ladies” match was arranged mainly for the mothers of the boys and girls involved in the Malaga Youth Cricket Development Programme and their friends wanting participation. The women simply wanted to play Cricket. Who could say no to these wonderful Women?
Organised in conjunction with Les Gibbons, Chairman of “The Los Boliches Junior Cricket Supporters Club” by Greg Gomez, the Regions Cricket Development Officer; the match was very keenly contested and some outstanding performances were a marvellous advertisement of what women can do when put to the task with bat and ball. It was absolutely Fantastic to witness.
Ladies play 14 a Side Match due to huge turn out.
A 14 a Side Match was necessary; such was the huge turn out by the Ladies who came from all along the Costa del Sol from Malaga City through almost to the Gibraltar border.
The Cadiz Squad, outfitted by “Kelly´s Bar” (of Los Boliches), had their players coming from Guardiaro, Sotogrande, San Roque and Mañilva; and the Malaga Squad, outfitted by “The Emerald Isle Bar” (also of Los Boliches), with their players from Malaga City, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, La Cala, Nueva Andalucia and Marbella. The match was very well supported by a large crowd of friends, family and a host of other spectators attracted by publicity in the local Media. The ground was littered with deck chairs, spread blankets, coolers, picnics and cricket equipment and provided a wonderful setting with a friendly yet noisy atmosphere.
The Match
With each team batting in pairs and starting on 100 runs; with 6 runs deducted for the loss of a wicket; The Province of Cadiz won the toss and elected to bat. The second pair of Jaqui Morgan and Lindsey Moore had the crowd on their feet with a brilliant aggressive 52 run partnership that was the highlight of the Cadiz innings. Ever popular Sheila Kidd and Sarah Milton had the crowd in uproar with their running between the wickets. Good batting displays from Phoebe Cobb, Hannah Dunning, Jo Langan, Karen Larkins, “the great Lady” Jess Cobb, Helen Fowler, Kelly Gillette, Michelle Ward and Rhian Dunning all contributed in the innings total of 241 runs. Malaga claimed a total of 10 wickets with bowlers of note being Julie Connell 2 for 16, Bev Margison 2 for 18, Paria Somaia 2 for 20, Danielle Compsty 1 for 5, Angie Khopkar 1 for 7, Liz Raneses 1 for 13 and Marissa Parker 1 for 16. Wicketkeeper/Captain Sandra Eadington was outstanding.
It was the Cadiz bowling attack combined with the excellent catching and fielding in particular from Jaqui Morgan, Lyndsey Moore and Jo Langan that finally decided the match. Malaga put up a determined fight to the very end and gave good account through batting stars Elizabeth Raneses and Sarah Clough with fine displays coming from Jane Lonsdale, Paria Somaia, Paulette Robertson, Danielle Compsty, Angie Khopkar, Marissa Parker, Bev Margison, Julie Connell, Mona Bhogal, Lara Cowan, Sandra Eadington and Rachel Maybry. Cadiz bowling sensation Hannah Dunning 3 for 7, assisted by Sarah Milton 2 for 4, Helen Fowler 2 for 10, Jess Cobb 2 for 12, Karen Larkins 2 for 20, Lyndsey Moore 2 for 23, Sheila Kidd 1 for 5, Phoebe Cobb 1 for 6 and Jaqui Morgan 1 for 7 did the damage as Malaga finished their innings short of the Cadiz total. Cadiz were triumphant to the great delight of their supporters. Malaga Captain Sandra Eadington has asked Cadiz Captain Jess Cobb for a return match next year.
Awards (donated by Bars in Los Boliches)
All the Players were presented with “Commemoration Medals” to mark this Historic Event by “The Sports Café” as well as Red Roses.
“Most Outstanding Player“ (“The Irish Rover” Trophy)
Lynsey Moore – Province of Cadiz
“Best Batswoman”
(“The Tallman Bar” Trophy)
Elizabeth Raneses – Province of Malaga
“Best Bowler”
(“The Emerald Isle Bar” Trophy)
Hannah Dunning – Province of Cadiz
“Best Fielder”
(“Bar Latino” Trophy)
Sandra Eadington – Province of Malaga
PS This is probably the first ever women’s cricket match on mailand Spain. There were severl such games played on the Island of Ibizabetween the ladies of San Antonio and Ibiza/San Eulalia in the late 1980s.