Any meaningful preparations for the ECC Trophy 2001 had to be done on the proper artificial wickets as will be encountered in Austria. More Twenty-two Associate countries, eight of which were European, assembled for the ICC Trophy in Toronto to compete for the three available World Cup places on offer. Half the European teams were eliminated at the end of the group stage, with Germany placed 3rd and Gibraltar 4th in Group A Division 2, and France 5th and Israel 6th in Group B Division 2. More It has been an exceptionally busy season to date in Austria, with 11 teams in the Open League, Zagreb CC being the latest to join, and a twelfth team, St Pölten CC, who are playing Friendlies this season, waiting in the wings. To accommodate the burgeoning fixture list, a second ground at Seebarn has been brought into use, and Austria now often plays host to up to six matches a weekend. More… Region North ran out emphatic winners of the second Regional U15 tournament in Copenhagen, 4-6 July, thanks to an outstanding all-round team performance. More… The final of the Knockout Cup between Esbjerg and Svanholm proved to be an exciting match played in cool and cloudy conditions after a week of continuous rain that allowed no outdoor training to take place. More… The Cappanelle CC Juniors and manager, Alfonso Jayarajah, from Italy, arrived in England on 28 June for a short tour. The squad played a number of fixtures:

29 June: Teddington CC

30 June: St John School

1 July: Eastcote CC

2 July: Spencer CC

3 July: Twickenham

4 July: Sunbury

as well as taking time out for a spot of sightseeing in Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Hampton Court, and coming to watch Middlesex vs Sussex at Lord's.

Estonia played Latvia in a battle of the Baltics at the Hippodrome ground in Tallin on Sunday 22 July. Latvia, who brought their first Latvian player into the side for the occasion, won the match, and a return fixture in Riga is planned for August. The Estonian Cricket Club also played a 30 over tournament against UK team Acton Trussel in Helsinki on 7-8 July.

Sir Tim Rice and the Heartaches cricket team recently spent a weekend in Berlin, playing two very exciting games, which proved, logistically, to be a good trial run for the U15B Tournament. The Committee worked very well and Rupert Lavington was very pleased about the positive feedback received from Sir Tim and his squad.

Istvan Soos recently organised a racket/batting sports camp for children in Hungary. The initiative was very successful, with non-stop and pairs kwik cricket proving particularly popular with the 30 or so youngsters aged 7-15 who attended. Istvan has also been contacted by the British Embassy in Hungary about cricket coaching at sports events.

Benedikt Waage and friend Kari recently dropped into the Europe Office during a trip to London. It appears Iceland are getting a visit from Sky-Sports on the 28th and are planning a major event in honour of the occasion. They hope to gain coverage on all the national TV stations and in all the newspapers.