The Spanish academy made a poor start to the La Manga charity T-Twenty that is taking place at the Murcia based ground this weekend.
The team, comprising of mainly youngsters looking to establish themselves in the squad for the next ICC International tournament lost their first match against the other team from Spain, Valencia Stallions.
Batting first the Academy were going well at a good run rate, being 103 for 4 of 12 overs. Looking to post around 180 with 8 overs to go, they made silly mistakes and were finally bowled out in the 19th over for 134. Adam Algar of Sporting Alfas, top scored with 31.
In response the Academy take credit for making Valencia work hard for their win, by bowling and fielding well. In the end Valencia got the target in the 19th over losing 5 wickets.
In the second match against Freshfields from the UK, Spain batted much better and posted 162 for 5 of their 20 overs, A Khan scoring 37.
Freshfields were never up with the required run rate and though captain Patrick Macgan was 62 not out, they finished well short on 129 for 7. Atif Ali, of Pinatar Pirates, was the man of the match for the Academy, with an excellent spell of bowling, taking three for 18 from his four overs.
The Academy now have the tough task of beating Waltham CC tomorrow in the final group match. Waltham lie top of Group A after winning both their matches against Valencia Stallions and Freshfields.
A Spanish win coupled by a Stallions defeat will put the Academy through to the final. Alternatively, if both Spain and Valencia win, then Net run rate will come into play to decide who progresses to the latter stages of the competition.
SPANISH ACADEMY PLAYERS RELAXING AT LA MANGA DURING THE T-20 TOURNAMENT.