November 2008 - Ibiza Cricket Club’s season ended with their annual tour to Benidorm

Ibiza Cricket Club’s season ended with their annual tour to Benidorm playing 2 games against Sporting Alfaz C.C., one of Spain’s top teams. After a long ferry ride and several cans of beer with ‘oompa loompa’ the club mascot the team arrived for an early night in their new four star hotel to prepare for Saturdays game against a side boasting several international players. Captain Martin Makepeace won the toss and elected to bat hoping that a reasonable score and a few early wickets may turn the tide in a match that Ibiza had never won in 15 years. The plan was going well as Stephen Balmforth and Chris Xavier raced to 89 for 0 from 17 overs but Ibiza’s soft underbelly was exposed as they crumbled to 137 all out after drinks with only Mark ‘Gilly’ Gillett making more runs before taking a ball to throat but carrying on like a true hero.

Alfaz had no bother knocking off the runs in less than 20 overs to win by 9 wickets with Nev ‘Good Hands’ Linnell taking a particular hammering. Saturday night saw Michael ‘Cocoa’ Fowler organize the traditional team meal at the local Indian restaurant where all turned out in club blazers and ties and a gentle evening was capped by another early night in Café Benidorm being entertained by Steve ‘Cocktail’ Wilson’s now famous hat dance. Sunday’s game against Alfaz’s 2nd XI is normally a close affair however Alfaz in their wisdom (and possibly in reply to the hammering they got last year) selected Spanish International ‘Ferran’ at the top of the order who destroyed Ibiza’s bowling in the first 20 overs, disturbing the ducks in the pond on many occasions. If only Ibiza had been able to hold on to a difficult catch from his second ball! Once he had been hounded into retirement by an unhappy Ibiza side the rest of the batting was pretty ineffective however the damage had already been done as they posted a score in excess of 250. In reply Ibiza put out their big guns with Dave ‘Benno’ Bennett, Paul ‘Pabs’ Ambrose and Michael ‘Cocoa’ Fowler all being promoted up the order. Unfortunately Bennett’s batting is not as good as his comedy and he was dismissed cheaply but decent returns from Ambrose, Fowler (27) and Stuart Browne (43) meant that Ibiza could leave with their heads held high.

The tour was bought to a close with a stroll through the old town of Benidorm and some of sightseeing. These two losses capped an otherwise very successful season for Ibiza Cricket Club who played 13 games, winning 8 and losing 5. Many thanks to everybody who have helped out this year and don’t’ forget the Christmas Dinner and Dance, taking Place at Coastline, Sunset Strip, San Antonio on Friday 5th December at 8.30pm - tickets are 35 euros for a 3 course meal with wine and live music from Frankie Reilly. For tickets and info contact the fabulous Lyn Carpenter on 971 346094 or 677 630514. Your support is greatly appreciated! www.ibizacricketclub.com