Thanksgiving Tour halted by the rain in Spain

Ten years after the Strollers' first tour to Benidorm, the side returned this weekend to once again face Sporting Alfas CC in the stunningly beautiful settings of The Woodbridge Oval on the Spanish coast.

Dubbed the 'Thanksgiving Tour' the trip marked the latest date in the year the Strollers had ever played cricket, and a few cobwebs certainly needed to be brushed away as we struggled to a modest 136 all out in the first match. Still, the innings was not without it's highlights as Graeme and Big Gav mounted a stirring 8th wicket 50 partnership to ensure the bowlers had at least something to defend, and Jeremy Masters' 'attempted Dilshan' may now go down as the all time most celebrated golden duck in Spain. However, despite some decent fielding, the total was easily reached as the Alfas gave the Strollers a decisive lesson in how to bat on their excellent artificial track.

Sunday's game was unfortunately brought to a premature end with unrelenting rain washing away any hopes of a result - even more of a shame as, despite fighting the after effects of the night before, the Strollers applied themselves well in the field and Boughey in particular was in fine form with the ball - stand in keeper Deavs pouching two excellent takes from the seamer from Stoke. Restricting Alfas to 160 from reduced overs the Strollers reply never had a chance to properly get going as, after the loss of two quick wickets, the rain set in and brought proceedings to an abrupt end.

Still, at least we did get one full day's cricket with excellent weather. Special thanks must go to Deavs for arranging yet another fine tour and of course to our hosts for making the whole thing possible. Stroll on to next year!

Gavin Richardson
30.11.09