The French senior squad, accompanied by coach, Bobby Parks, recently made a last-minute trip to Antwerp CC for some practice after France's planned games in Luxembourg were called off because of waterlogged ground there.

The visitors were delighted with the highly competitive opposition provided by the Belgian League XI, rustled up virtually overnight by BCF Chairman, Ken Farmiloe, and his colleague, Wasiq. The weekend enabled the French to finalize selection for the forthcoming ICC Trophy.

Thanks went to Dennis, the Antwerp club chairman, for his hospitality, and to umpiring chairman, Bryan Rouse, for providing two umpires who did a very good job. Simon Hewitt and Martin O'Connor also took the opportunity to discuss future Belgium v France youth fixtures.

The Belgian senior national side will be travelling to Thoiry on June 9/10 and all those involved look forward to continued convivial and mutually beneficial cricketing relations between the two countries.