SEPTEMBER 2008 - IBIZA STROLL PAST PIMLICO

A successful weekend saw Ibiza winning two games against the touring Pimlico Strollers from London.

On Saturday Ibiza were put into bat and given a fine start by Sam Feasey (70) and Brad van Bylevelt (46) who put on 119 for the first wicket. Useful knocks by Stuart Browne (35) and Andy Nokes (23) kept the momentum going and we reached 218 for 7 from our allotted 35 overs. The opposition battled bravely but never looked likely to threaten our total and finished 148 for 9. All credit to Ibiza’s attack for starving them of scoring opportunities and particularly to Feasey and Ryan Way who bowled 14 overs between them at a cost of only 29 runs. But pivotal to this win was the fielding and the Stroller's Captain remarked that Ibiza were the best fielding side they had encountered.

On Sunday we played a game of 20/20. Our gallant opponents, despite a curfew insisting on bed before breakfast, appeared, even to the most charitable eye, to be suffering the after effects of a night enjoying the pleasures for which our beautiful island is justly famous. A spate of injuries-night clubs and swimming pools can be dangerous places- left them somewhat handicapped and later led to a hilarious partnership between two batsmen who were both batting with runners.

Stuart Browne, captaining the side in the absence of Martin Makepeace, won the toss and we batted first. The Strollers bowled cleverly and were particularly good at taking the pace out of the ball so we were fortunate that a good start was ensured by Bob Short who made a surprisingly agricultural 49 (he was subsequently fined for "jug - dodging") and Jim Harvey (41). The closing overs were dominated by a powerful 28 from George Burdon and a very polished 34 not out from the enigmatic Ryan Way, who fully justified his promotion in the order. Ryan is an accomplished batsman and plays like a number eleven only because that is where he often bats. Our opposition were never in the hunt and subsided to 98 all out with a couple of overs to spare but mention should be made to a brave knock by David Haines whose 45 included four sixes. He was assisted by a faithful runner a possible a state registered nurse! van Bylevelt (4 for 19) and the ageing Jeremy Parmenter (2 for 19) were the pick of our bowlers together with Way who conceded only 6 runs from 4 overs. So a good weekend and a huge vote of thanks to our visitors who are a great bunch and who are obviously much better cricketers when not distracted by the delights of the White Island. We hope to see them again.

Adrian Ireland