Island cricketers just miss out in Benidorm

In their final match in the ICC European Division Three Championships, the Isle of Man beat Spain by 100 runs. It meant they ended the tournament with the same number of points as leaders Israel, but that country won the tournament with a higher net wicket run-rate.

The day started with Israel, Spain and the Island all in joint top place with six points. At the Benidorm ground the Island lost three quick wickets, but rallied to end on 211. Nick Hawke hit 70 and an injured Ollie Webster cracked 36, despite being on pain-killers.

News arrived that Israel had recorded a five wicket victory against Portugal, which meant the Island would need to bowl out Spain for 87 to win the championship, which was an almost impossible task. However, they did turn in a great performance and dismissed their opponents for 111, a remarkable achievement against a team tipped at the start of the day as the hot favourites. Garreth Roome took 4 wickets for 24.