The first Spirit of Cricket Weekend in Madrid was a great success, and thanks go to all those involved in setting the event up, in particular the Reverend Canon Raymond Hodson of St. George's Church, Madrid, Jonathan Woodward and Claire Sunderland (and her band, 6X).

St. George's Church Dinner-Dance

The weekend began on the Friday evening with St. George's Annual Dinner-Dance. Five members of the club joined in the frolics and had a very entertaining evening. Funds raised from the event will go to the church's annual charity fund.

St. George's Church vs Madrid CC Challenge Match

Photo © ECC

With everyone waking to rain the next morning, a few doubts were raised regarding whether we could play or not. But not by the committee. Divine intervention pulled back the clouds and by the time people were assembling at the ground, the water had already dried up and suntan lotion and hats were the order of the day.

Madrid CC batted first and posted a very challenging total of 203 for 5 from their allocation of 30 overs. There was little hope for St. George's after they lost their first wicket in the second over (they had clearly used up their quota of divine intervention with the weather improvements) and they were eventually all dismissed for 90 from 18.5 overs, and, in spite of one or two heroic attempts to fight against the Madrid team, it was simply not enough to save the St. George's XI from martyrdom.

This will hopefully be the first in a regular series of annual events.

Kwik Cricket Triangular Tournament

Photo © ECC

The day also saw a triangular Kwik Cricket Tournament between the Madrid CC team, King's College and the British Council School. The three games played saw some very competitive and exciting cricket, with the players of the three teams all doing themselves proud. Indeed, the game between Madrid CC and the BCS team proved to be tremendously exciting with a last-ball finish and a victory margin of one run. But credit overall must go to the King's College team who were comfortable winners of the tournament in the end.

The enthusiasm, indeed passion, shown by the children on the day was of huge credit to them, and we look forward to this being the first of many future tournaments in Madrid.

6X Performance at the British Embassy Casita Club

With the cricket finished, players and supporters alike, freshened up and ready to boogie, headed on to the Casita Club at the British Embassy in Madrid, where music was provided by the group 6X with disco music after until the early hours.

Raising Money for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The objective of events on the Saturday was to raise money for a Madrid charity for local children with cerebral palsy. A total of approximately Ä600 was raised from sponsorship and donations.