Two of Spain’s Junior Academies continued their cricketing development programme with games against STK Academy yesterday.
The Spanish Under 13 squad had a fantastic game of cricket with the hosts putting in a strong performance against the Academy from Scotland. STK batted first and were restricted to 96 by the Spanish youngsters.
Kyle Roper took one for five off four overs and Jack Perman took two wickets at a slightly more expensive rate from the same amount of balls. Rubein and Charlie chipped in with a wicket apiece to cap a great effort in the field.
In reply Spain got off to a cracking start with a 42 opening partnership, in which Rupert James scored 22. The good work of James was continued by Leo Laundon, who also scored 22, before getting out one short of victory. However, the mainstay of the Spanish innings was a 38 not out by Theo Rumstovevicz. The 11 year old showed maturity beyond his age to play a calculating innings that was capped off by scoring the winning run for his side.
The Under 18’s game with their STK counterparts was just as exciting. The Scots again batted first and were bowled out for just 120. The pleasing part of the fielding performance were the catches that were held and the three wickets each for Leo Laundon, Theo Rumstovevicz and his brother Charlie.
The Spanish reply started badly with the loss of four wickets for just 12 runs. However, an 87 run partnership by Kieran Perman and Ali Raza kept the hosts in with an outside chance of winning the game.
Requiring 19 for victory off the final over they managed ten to lose out by just 8 runs. Highlight of the day was the 67 not out by Kieran Perman, what Junior Director of Cricket Neil Brook described as the best innings he had ever witnessed by a Spanish Junior.
The Academy have more games later this month against Esher and Stowe Academy at La Manga and Pinatar Arena respectively. For dates and times please refer to the calendar page on the Cricket Espana website at https://www.cricketspain.es/calendar_page.php
