October 2007 – Ibiza win four out of four against Zamigos and Old Lincolnians

The touring teams of Zamigos from Holland, and the Old Lincolnians were goodish sides, but lost both their games against a resurgent home XI. It was most gratifying that these wins were very much team efforts, and were achieved without the help of a significant innings from Adam Johnston. Also encouraging was the fact that no fewer than four bowlers totalled five or more wickets in these matches. The only downside was that whilst the out-fielding remained excellent, far too many catches were dropped by a side that has been exemplary in this direction all season.

The first game against the Zamigos was interrupted by rain and having bowled them out for 171 (Martin Makepeace 3 for 20), Ibiza was set a revised target of 135 in 20 overs. All Ibiza's batsmen who were involved made contributions to reaching the target with six wickets and two overs in hand. In their next game Zamigos could muster only 140 in the face of some cunning bowling by Bob Short (4 for 22). However, chasing even this modest total Ibiza were in distinct trouble at 49 for 5 before determined innings by Stuart Browne (32), Ben (Kiwi) Morris (28 not out) and Martin Cooper saw Ibiza safely home by three wickets.

Old Lincolnians batted steadily in amassing 195 for 5 (Ben Morris 3 for 28) but their total never looked enough as Sam Feasy played the innings of his life. Eighteen fours and three sixes featured his coruscating 116 not out, and he scarcely gave a chance. Able and unselfish support was provided by Bob Short, whose plethora of well judged singles enabled his partner to face the lion's share of the bowling. Their unbroken stand of 160 left us winners by nine wickets. By the time of their next fixture, traditional Ibizan hospitality had taken its toll on the Lincolnians, and they scored only a jaded 129 which Ibiza surpassed for the loss of just two wickets, Bob Short, whose 53 not out took his average for the season to 102.25, and Sam Feasy having both retired.