May 2008 - Balearic Cup 2008 - MALLORCA TAKE CUP IN CONTROVERSIAL FASHION

Ibiza’s reign as Balearic Champions came to an end in a weekend of high quality cricket in Mallorca that ended with a hint of contoversy. On Friday Ibiza won the toss and put Mallorca into bat. The home side got off to a flyer catching Ibiza cold in the field putting on 121 for the first wicket until Qamar-Sha holed out to Martin Makepeace for 69 in the 21st over. Mallorca went on to score a total of 224 for 3 in their 40 overs with 37 runs being scored from the last 3 overs.
In reply Ibiza got off to a solid start with half centuries from Adam Johnston and Bob Short and at 149 for 3 from 31 overs it was still anybody’s game. Unfortunately Ibiza’s middle order just did not perform, the last 5 wickets going for just 27 runs, Mallorca winning the match by 32 runs.
Although Ibiza were down after their loss it was still possible to win the cup and on Saturday they responded in some style after putting themselves into bat against a keen Menorca side.
Ibiza’s total of 256 runs was the highest total scored on the ground so far this year, the damage being done by the top five in a display of batting excellence. Brad van Bijlivelt top scored with a superb 88, ably assisted by Bob Short (57 not out), Adam Johnston (46) and David Climent (37). In reply Menorca got off to an assured start but never really got close to the required run rate especially as Ibiza’s Bob Short, providing the highlight of the weekend, took a hat trick (3 wickets in 3 balls) at a vital time. Even though Menorca’s Ted Williams scored a fine century (119 not out) they still needed 35 off the last 3 overs so Ibiza loaded the boundary with fielders making it very difficult for the batting side. Ibiza eventually winning by 12 runs in a superb match that enthralled the large crowd. Bob Short ended with bowling figures of 4-22 and Samy Feasey 3-39. Ibiza’s win meant that going into Sunday’s game any team could still win the tournament because if Menorca beat Mallorca, Ibiza could still win the cup with a better run rate.
There is no love lost between these teams so both captains were really up for the match. Menorca batted first putting on 199 for 9, which really put on the pressure however Mallorca, armed with a calculator not a bat, knew exactly what they had to score so did not go for the win, literally blocking every ball late in the innings, eventually finishing on 155 for 5, losing by 44 runs. All teams won one and lost one but Mallorca won the tournament on a better run rate with Ibiza runners up and a very disgruntled Menorca with the wooden spoon.
It was a controversial win however this showed the importance of the competition and the ‘win at all costs’ attitude of all the teams. Overall the weekend was a festival of superb cricket played in a highly charged and competitive atmosphere that sets up next years competition where Ibiza will play hosts and go all out to get back the trophy that they won so well in 2007. Ibiza CC Press Office