Madrid CC Tour to Mallorca October 2012
On the second to last weekend October, Madrid CC travelled to the Balearic island of Mallorca to play their first tour fixture since 2009.
Mallorca CC kindly welcomed Madrid to the MCG on Saturday 20th 2012 for a 40 over game, andalthough there was a slight chance of rain forecast in the days leading up to the fixture, the weather held, providing sunshine enough for both teams to complete a high scoring, entertaining, and good spirited match. Play commenced at 1pm with Madrid CC winning the toss and electing to bat.
Even with a few early chances going Madrid’s way, a sharp opening spell by B Vickers kept Madrid to 39-2 after 10 overs. This brought J Sharma and A Langhans to the crease. The pair played well, and stabilised the Madrid innings with some solid batting making the fielders work hard to support the bowling. A breakthrough came when Sharma was clean bowled by W. Walker for 69 in the 25th over. The partnership worth a valuable 122 runs, moving Madrid on to 169-3. With renewed vigour, the fielding and bowling tightened, and notable spells from S. Gooneskera and W. Walker helped Mallorca restrict Madrid in the latter stages of the innings.
Although Langhans remained with good support from the remainder of the Madrid middle and lower order who each contributed in turn, wickets came and went roughly every 5 overs. Langhans was eventually stumped on 107 in the 38th over. Madrid completed the 40 overs adding just another 90 runs in the last 15. The final score being 259-8.
After a delicious and well deserved tea, Madrid took to the field and Mallorca began their reply. Thanks to some pinpoint opening bowling from V.Salema, Mallorca found themselves at 63-2 after 10 overs. For the second time in the match, the 3rd wicket partnership proved crucial. B. Vickers and R. Williams paired up to pile pressure on the Madrid fielding and bowling attack. The pair batted comfortably, taking charge of the game with some fine hitting and sensible running; all the time making the visitors work to defend their total.
As the match was slowly beginning to slip, Madrid changed up the attack and brought on J. Woodard. The change in pace and tactic worked with a fine caught and bowled to remove Vickers on 89 finally breaking an equally valuable 141 run partnership. Williams carried on and reached 53 before being removed by the in form Woodward. Walker and Morris now at the crease stuck in, and eased the side to victory in the 34th over. Mallorca finished on 260-4, thereby winning the match by 6 wickets.
In summary, the day provided some fantastic, competitive, and fun typical of a tour fixture that was dominated by some fine batting performances on both sides. Madrid CC would like to thank all those involved at Mallorca CC: Bar staff, scorers, umpires, and players for the fixture. Given the overall success of the day, Madrid are looking to fulfil a similar fixture again next year.
Stephen Baker
Madrid CC