Netherlands: Dutch cricket in ecstacy following World Cup qualification

The Dutch went to Toronto with only one mission to fulfil: qualification for South Africa 2003. They did not only qualified but won the trophy itself.

Dutch players, officials and spectators all exploded with joy when the last Irish wicket fell in that incredible match. Tears were rolling: mission completed.

The final itself was probably even more exciting than that match against Ireland. and after that last ball Holland had in JJ Esmeijer a new hero. The trophy itself was won for the first time !

The whole tournament was followed by lots of Dutch cricket fans. Some of them at home watching ceefax that was a bit slow with the updates. Others were following it through CricInfo. And a lot of them spent late evenings together in local clubhouses to find out what was happening in Toronto. The slogan of the BBC soap "Eastenders" became very through in the Dutch cricket world: "everybody is talking about it".

On return to Holland, after some small celebrations (even a ride through the channels of Amsterdam) the Dutch local competition was waiting.

VRA was leading, a couple of points ahead if its nearest rival VOC of Rotterdam and Hermes of Schiedam. During the ICC Trophy one match was played. VRA beat Hermes. Two rounds later the magazine "cricket" opened with "VRA close to title".

While VRA were winning their matches their rivals were dropping points all the time. But there is still a battle going on. The battle to escape relegation is very close. Gandhi is at present bottom. just two point behind HBS of The Hague. It will be a close finish at the bottom of the Dutch "Hoofdklasse'