Spain v Portugal Test Match June 2008- Cabrera BC

Report  & photos Tony & Mary Cummings.

Ladies Team

Red Team

Singles     S. Marks.

Pairs         D. Ridley & S. Marks.

Triples     M. Lawley, W. Latham & Y. Briden.

Fours        D. Ridley, M.Lawley. W. Latham & Y. Briden.

Gold Team

Singles    A. Eagle.

Pairs        A. Eagle & S. Fletcher.

Triples     L. Greenland, J. Dando & A. Goodfellow.

Fours       L.Greenland, S. Fletcher, J. Dando & A. Goodfellow.

Men’s Team

Red Team

Singles   N. Cole

Pairs       M. Johnson & N. Cole

Triples    T. McKenna, J Muldoon & M. Greenwood.

Fours      T. McKenna, J Muldoon, M. Greenwood & M. Johnson

Gold Team

Singles    J. Breslin.

Pairs        B. Manser & R. Marks.

Triples     D. Mills, M. Rowlands & J. Breslin.

Fours       D. Mills, B. Manser, M. Rowlands & R. Marks.

We arrived in time to have half a days practice session on the Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday following the opening ceremony Barry Woods, President of Cabrera BC, handed the green to the participating teams and the match begun in glorious sunshine.

The Ladies team included all four newly selected members to get their first International experience under their belt.

1^st. Day

AM

Ladies.  Both pairs lost however both triples won. Score 4-4

Men.     The same story both pairs just lost and both triples won comfortably. Score 4-4

PM

Ladies.  Ann won her singles and Sabrina lost in a cliffhanger finish 20-21.

Angie’s four lost a close game 14-16. Yvonne’s team found the going tough and lost 8-23.

Score 2-6

Men.   In the singles both Nick and Jackie lost very close games to players who were bowling exceptionally well.

In the fours both Red & Gold teams put up very good performances to win 33-12 and 23-14 respectively. Score 4-4.

After the first day the score was 14 – 18. This is the typical first days score. Ladies 6-10 & Men 8-8.

Most Portuguese players play on grass and it takes us a good days play to get used to the change of pace.

 2^nd Day

AM

Ladies.   All the players came out fighting and both pairs won convincingly. Both triples won Angie 17-16 and Yvonne 17-10. Score 8-0

Men.   Both pairs won Russell 20-15 and Mick 27-12. In the triples Jackie’s three won 21-15

and Malcolm’s team lost 14-26.  Score 6-4

Having now taken the lead lunch was enjoyed. The annual second day revival, against the Portuguese team, led everyone to believe that we needed at least a full day or 2 half days practice, when playing on grass, which will be taken on board when the next match on grass is arranged.

PM

Ladies.  Both singles won. Ann 21-9 and Sabrina , this time, on the right side of another thriller 21-20.

In the fours Yvonne’s team just lost by 1 shot and Angie’s team playing what appeared to be the stronger Portugal four lost 17-21. Score  4-4

Men.    Nick lost his singles against Jerry Jones who had won against Jackie the day before. His conversion shots, in the 2 matches, were brilliant and on that form would be very hard to beat.

Jackie won against J. Laskey 21-19 with some excellent bowling in the strong wind.

Russell’s four won 26-8 and Mick’s team drew 17-17. Score 5-3

Overall total Score 37-27    Ladies 18-14

                                             Men    19-13

We had a very satisfactory result. The games were played in a sporting and friendly manner and hope you all enjoyed the Test Match.

All the players should be pleased with their overall performance. Well done everyone.

The Ladies singles were impressive and the experience should give Ann a lot of confidence for the Champion of Champions competition in Aberdeen and we wish her all the best from the Spanish Squad.