Trafalgar Pirates win 20 overs Cup


	Cricket Gibraltar Official site of the Gibraltar Cricket Association

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TJF

TRAFALGAR PIRATES WIN CLOSE ENCOUNTER.

The final of the twenty overs Cup Competition, played at the Europa Oval on Monday evening, produced a close encounter, with the Pirates, losers in last season’s final, going one better this time – but only just!

Pirates won the toss and chose to bat first against GCC Valverde (soon to be renamed RGCC Valverde in recognition of sponsorship obtained from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.) Dave Jacobs and Adrian Hewitt opened the batting, scoring steadily but with only two boundaries in evidence and at the ten overs stage the total had progressed to 60. Jacobs had to leave early with his personal score on 23 but Hewitt went on to make 31 before having to retire and Spike Hughes struck a quick 21 off just thirteen balls. Steve McEwan (16) and Craig Sacarello (14 not out) upped the tempo in the latter stages, enabling Pirates to reach a total of 143/4 at the end of the allotted twenty overs.

Facing a run rate of just over seven runs an over, Junior Valverde and Daniel Canepa got off to an electric start, striking 27 runs off the opening four overs before the latter tried a hit too many and was comprehensively bowled by Damian White for 21. Runs continued to come at the required rate but the 10th. and 12th. overs, bowled by Steve McEwan, turned the tide his side’s way as he claimed three wickets in his opening two overs. Amos Federico then chipped in with an unbeaten 35, scored off only nineteen balls, and when he had to retire, Julian Valverde took on the mantle of chief attacker. With two overs left, GCC Valverde required twenty runs to win and midst mounting excitement they found themselves needing thirteen runs off the final over. Julian Valverde hit John Shephard for two twos and a four off his first three balls, which meant that only five more runs were required with three balls left. The batsman then swung wildly at the fourth ball of the over, missed, and saw his stumps shattered to give Pirates victory by four runs. McEwan, with figures of 3/29, was undoubtedly Pirates’ match-winner whilst Greg Harris and Shephard took two wickets apiece.

And so another mid-week competition came to an end! The twenty overs league and cup tournaments have proved very successful with no less than thirteen teams competing this year and it is to be hoped that more sides will join in in 2008.