History of Cricket at La Manga Club
Teams Who Visited Before
2003 Festival of Cricket
2003 Festival of Cricket
The inaugural Festival of Cricket was held in November 2003 and attracted a diverse collection of cricketers including former England star Derek Underwood and current Ladies captain Clare Connor.
La Manga Club, basking under a late summer sun, provided brand new artificial wickets, Spanish-style score boxes and top-class hospitality for the teams who took part in the 20 / 20 style competition.
Seven teams, six umpires, five days in the sun, fours galore, three-course lunches, two scorers and one festival marquee came together to launch a great event.
Derek Underwood and Clare Connor combined their knowledge of the game in their first match, but found it tough against the Club Cricket Conference.
Derek had to put the loss out of his mind the next morning though, as he was drawn against former Formula 1 World Champion and scratch golfer Nigel Mansell in the golf tournament.
In the golf tournaments the Maoris and Drifters cleaned up. Drifter accuracy paid off with Nigel Mansell (longest drive) and John Feaver (nearest the pin) claiming prizes whilst Maori big hitter Julian Howe took the overall honours. No change either on the Par 47 Challenge with Maori Tony Murphy (ex Lancashire and Surrey) heading the men's competition and Drifter captain Clare Connor, the ladies' competition.
The two celebrity sides were paired on the Tuesday afternoon. The Maori side, captained by England Ladies' Rosalie Birch, had a familiar 'Surrey' look to it. The Surrey captain Jon Batty and fellow team mate James Benning were joined by old team mates Monte Lynch and Tony Murphy. For the Drifters, captain Clare Connor called on the services of England legend Derek Underwood and hard-hitting Lancastrian Paddy McKeown. Man of the match was the Maori secret weapon, the former Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansel, who collected his award following a stunning catch in the deep and a well-crafted wicket. The batsman had no complaints though, as it was International Test umpire John Holder who adjudged him lbw.
The large crowd who witnessed the event, made up of fellow guests and resort home owners, were curious to find out more about La Manga Club's latest sporting offering.
One of the players was overheard commenting, 'It was great to play in the company of so many big names and I didn't expect to see such a crowd'.
The Tournament Final commenced after another magnificent lunch, with sated spectators spilling out of the marquee into the late afternoon sun. The CCC, having won the toss, posted a very respectable 166 for 3 off their 20 overs. David Goodchild, formerly of Middlesex, scored a thundering 91, hitting the ball above and beyond all expectations of the crowd, whilst Max Hall, the CCC captain, supported with a very important 53.
The MCCC fought hard, with captain David Banks leading the chase with a run a ball 37. In the end though the task proved too much as wickets fell regularly and the CCC just won by ten runs. A thrilling game that provided a fitting end to the first Festival of Cricket.
On the final evening VIPs, journalists and La Manga Club representatives joined the tourists for the Gala Dinner. The sun was setting over the Murcian hills as the evening got underway with a champagne reception on the Banqueting Suite terrace. MC for the evening, Tony Murphy, kept events flowing smoothly whilst special guest Alec Stewart, the former England captain, was on hand to orchestrate the prize-giving ceremony.
BBC presenter Chris Hollins provided the highlight of the evening with an entertaining Q&A session involving five celebrities from the world of sport. The discussion contained amusing anecdotes from Formula 1 and International cricket as well as offering a unique insight into how these top sportsmen and sportswoman had achieved their success. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative evening for all those lucky enough to be there.
The Friday was a much needed day off that allowed time for all to enjoy the resort facilities, whether playing golf or tennis, relaxing in the spa or simply lazing by the pool in the sun.
Photo Gallery
Derek Underwood and Clare Connor combined their knowledge of the game in their first match, but found it tough against the Club Cricket Conference.
(from left to right) Tony Murphy, Derek Underwood, Nigel Mansel (driving of course), John Feaver, Nigel's caddy, Michael Gradon (Chairman, La Manga Club).
The MCCC fought hard, with captain David Banks leading the chase with a run a ball 37.
Alec Stewart presents Max Hall (CCC captain) with the trophy.
