After a week longs cricket in La Manga the Spanish Over Forty side emerged victorious from the four team tournament in La Manga. The four teams from the UK, Holland and Denmark played each other once with Spain contesting the final against a strong Dutch team.
First up earlier in the week for Spain were the Forty Club of UK. The visitors batted first and posted a respectable 227 for 6 from their allocated overs. Kevin Laundon, the Sporting Alfas chairman was the pick of the Spanish bowlers ending with figures of 1-16 from his nine overs, which also included two maidens. Worthy mentions also go to tournament organiser George Wambeek (1-61) and Beverly Buckley who bowled her full quota of overs for just a cost of 45 runs.
(Graham Parker gets set to receive a delivery)
In reply, the Spanish team fell just short of their target, ending the day on 202 all out. Geoff Evans top scored for the hosts, making a fine half century, whilst P Ribera (32) and G Ward (24) also made sizeable contributions.
Losing the first game by 25 runs the Spaniards knew nothing less than a victory would do in match two against the other English side in the competition, who were just known as The Forty Club. The visitors made 205 for 8 with Laundon again having the most economical figures for “La Seleccion”.
(Bev Buckley in the field for the Spanish side)
In reply Spain ascored 211 for 5 with La Manga´s Guppy Singh ending 79 not out at the end of the game. The Sporting Alfas pair Kevin Laundon (54) and Geoff Evans (25) also played a big part in the home teams first win in the event.
Match three saw the Spanish team competing against Dansk over 40´s. Spain batted first and got their best total of the torneo, posting 245 for 8. Laundon again contributed heavily for the third day on the trot, top scoring with 68 for the home squad. In reply the Danes mustered 191 for 5 with Bev Buckley again bowling well to finish with figures of 2-42 from 8 overs.
(Opener Geoff Evans looking on from the non-strikers end)
With the group stages completed Spain faced their Dutch counterparts in the final. Spain saved their best performance until last chasing down a formidable Dutch total of 244 for 4 in style. The Spanish reply was held together by David Williams (124 not out) and Neil Brook (74 not out) who put on a record unbeaten 207 run partnership to give the hosts victory with three overs to spare.
Kevin Laundon was given he accolade of player of the tournament and the Spanish squad have already been invited to take part in next year competition, which will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on a date to be decided.
(Player of the tournament Kevin Laundon takes his hat from the umpire)