MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands regains International Cricket Council status and entitled to play in South America's championship

In action at the MPA-Stanley games earlier this year. An outdoor cricket open day is planned for early November

The Falklands Cricket Association is set to start its outdoor league in the coming weeks. And it is doing so boosted by the news that it recently regained its International Cricket Council (ICC) status.

Speaking to Penguin News his week, Cecil Alexander of the Cricket Association said the decision was made at the ICC’s AGM earlier this year, and will, among other things, entitle the Falklands to take part in the annual South American cricket championship.

“It is something we will possibly strive for next year,” said Cecil, “but if that’s not possible we will at least do a tour next year.”

The ICC status will also mean that the association can receive a certain amount of funding to purchase kit and possibly also receive coaching support.

However, Cecil stresses that the status brings with it certain responsibilities, including cricket development for women and juniors. Nevertheless the news comes at a convenient time; the indoor league has just come to a close, and with the advent of summer the club is gearing up for the outdoor league.

In preparation for that open practice sessions are being held on Saturdays throughout October and November at 1pm for people who may be interested in having a go at cricket and possibly even go on to join the outdoor league: “The idea is to get anybody who may be interested to come and participate, so the first hour is a practice, knocking a few balls around and giving everybody a bowl, and the second hour we’ll make up two teams to play a social game.”

Those who have never bowled or picked up a bat before need not worry, says Cecil, as coaching tips will be given at the sessions. And players who get their eye in can then choose to join one of the outdoor league teams, but Cecil emphasises that it is optional and there is no pressure to join at the start of the league; players can join when they feel ready and then they will be assigned to a team.

The club hopes to have a team of civilian contractors from MPA join the league, and there are already five matches scheduled with MPA itself to be played over the course of the summer.

To further boost interest the club hopes to hold an outdoor cricket open day at 1pm on November 2, though the date is still to be confirmed. The day will follow much the same format as the practice sessions, says Cecil: “People can come and have a bowl, come and have a bat, fielding, catching”.

Following the open practice round there will be a game, but interested players should attend one of the practice sessions beforehand to get their names on the list. If the weather is bad, the open day will take place indoors.

Saint Sixes take indoor league

The Saint Sixes inched ahead of the Big Hitters in the indoor cricket league held over June and July. Both teams finished the season with three wins and one loss to the their name, but the Saints took the top spot thanks to their net run rate of 1.64 compared to the Big Hitters’ 0.63. Team Two closed the table with four losses.

Nick Francis ended the season with the most wickets, 15, while Aiden Leo had the best bowling run rate.

Cecil Alexander, Aiden Leo and Weston Clingham had the best batting averages with seven “half centuries” (over 18 runs in four-over batting sessions) and one “century” (over 24 runs) between them. (Penguin News)