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Prague was the centre of the European cricketing world during the weekend of 10/11th July with the National teams from Poland, Slovak and Czech Republics participating in the inaugural  "FLICX TRI-NATION SERIES". A competition designed for only national players of all three developing cricketing countries.

The opening game saw a tight battle between the Poles and Slovaks, with Poland batting first. The Slovak bowlers claimed a steady flow of wickets around their determined Vice Captain, Matej, who ended up with 19 runs in the total of 67 for 8 (20 overs). In reply the more experienced Slovak batting line-up kept the run rate going with Bogady hitting a fine 18 not out in the run chase. The Slovaks winning run saw an emotional display from the whole team who invaded the pitch to celebrate their first ever victory and almost squashed young Juricek in the process!

The second match on paper looked a thriller with Slovakia v Czech Republic. The Czechs batting line up has a few more seasons experience and maintained a steady run rate throughout. Lucas (31), Misa (29) and Captain Janicek with an explosive 21 runs off only 12 balls at the end pushed the score to 109 for 3. The Slovak run chase suffered an early setback with Talacko removing the opener and several of his friends to see the game almost over before it started, Slovakia reeling at 7 for 4 after 8 overs. The Czech tight bowling attack pushed to an easy win in the 13th over, Slovakia all out for 34.

Could Poland upset the strong Czech line up in their last match of the day?  The Czechs lost the toss and Poland sent them in, claiming the first wicket on the third ball, this brought young Mik Stary (16) to the crease, who started with some stylish boundaries, and continued throughout his impressive innings of 46 not out. Along the way to a solid score of 142 for 5, Mik had 50 run partnerships with both Talacko and Honza. Jason taking 2 for 7 was the best bowler for the Poles. Poland, with plenty of spirit in reply, unfortunately lacked the batting experience to chase this large score, and with the young Czech bowling attack again claiming steady wickets, kept the run chase on the back foot. At 52 for 9 the game was stopped for bad light.  The game concluded on Sunday morning with a terrible mix up between the last pair, run out and Poland all out for 61. A good win again for the young Czech team.

Unfortunately for all players, a sudden thunderstorm stopped any further cricket activity, which meant that the Czech Republic team with 2 wins won the "FLICX TRI-NATION SERIES" first annual tournament, with Slovak Republic second and the determined Polish side third, and with the desire to do better in next year’s event, hopefully to be held in Bratislavia (Slovakia).

A great cricket weekend was had by all, with some players playing cricket for the first time ever.   Teams playing against other national players of similar cricketing abilities gave them a good idea on how they are playing and developing overall. This format gives all teams a real achievable goal to aim for with their future development, to improve with more experience and continue the friendships developed over the weekend, but most of all to keep the "spirit of cricket" well and truly alive in the centre of Europe. All teams would like to thank Richard from Flicx for his personal support with the tournament; without it, they would not have a real pitch to play on in any of these developing countries.