Gibraltar: Cricket on The Rock in 2000

What still promises to be a hectic Gibraltar season began in slightly anti-climactic fashion last month with rain limiting early play.

While a couple of matches in the Rock's five team Senionr League matches have been played, no team has demanded recognition as a frontrunner in a competition bolstered by the return of Combined Services after several seasons' absence.

Services has joined Calpe CC, Grammarians CC, Gibraltar Cricket Club and UK CC in Gibraltar's main domestic competition played over 50-overs-a-side.

According to experts on the Rock, UK Citizens CC, Calpe CC and Gibraltar CC share equal favouritism for this year's major title.

UKCCC will rely on all-rounder, Gary D'Ath, who has played for the national team since 1986, opening bowler, Roy Rodgers, and Chris Watkins.

Calpe's most prominent player is spin bowler, Bob Brooks, who has played for Gibraltar since 1990.

Gibraltar CC is expected to be a major force, with captain Christian Rocci the chief run-getter.

Combined Services has been described as 'an unknown quantity', although its team is likely to be based around Brian Phillips, fresh from a three year term with the RAF, and Piers Moore.

The other major news is the arrival of full-time Development Officer, Phillip Hudson, who comes directly from Lords.

Running simultaneously with the 50 over league, is a popular weekly 20-over-a-side hit out designed for Gibraltar's more social cricketers.

On the national team front, coach Richard Cox, has been active conducting intensive training sessions with the players from the senior team as well as providing lunch-time coaching sessions for the national Under 15 squad.

Senior national team training is aimed at preparing Gibraltar for the third European Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in July.

The national team will also face the Marylebone Cricket Club which will visit in late September.

A first for Gibraltan cricket will be the staging of the European Cricket Council's inaugural Under 15 title from August 21-27. Teams from Austria, Germany, Greece, Sweden and the host territory are expected to participate.

Facilities continue to improve with new indoor nets at the Europa Sports Ground and permanent nets promised at the Victoria Stadium as part of the civilian sports complex.

Equally valuable was a visit in late April from the MCC's Don Oslear, to conduct an umpires seminar.

The Rock's cricket calendar will also be supplemented by a visit from the Minstrel Taverners, hailing from England's Midlands.

Last but not least, the erection of new floodlights at the Victoria Stadium make it likely that the Rock is likely to see its first day/night match.

Thanks: Tommy Finlayson