Ellie Fielding

On Tuesday August 10 the Argentinean Cricket team were due to play MCC at Wimbledon Cricket Club. As the rain fell however it became less and less likely that a ball would be bowled and so to help the side prepare for the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 competition, which will be played in Italy next week, Mike Gatting, MCC match manager, answered Argentina’s questions on everything from mental preparation for batting, how to play spin and the best way to recover from a day in the field.

Cricket has been played in Argentina since 1806 with the international side making its first appearance in 1868 against Uruguay. The first first-class match was played against MCC in 1912 and a strong relationship has existed between the two sides ever since with MCC tours visiting Argentina in 2001, 2006 and 2008.

Grant Dugmore, Cricket Argentina’s chief executive and also a player in the national side, spoke about the position of cricket in a country dominated by other sports and the difficulty in achieving a league structure with depth. Dugmore explained that “Cricket has an amazing history in South America but has been side-lined by more popular sports such as rugby, golf, tennis, polo and football. Children are taught cricket in a handful of schools, particularly in the capital, Buenos Aires, where most of the clubs are based.

“However it is not the resources or breaking into a bigger market where we struggle but maintaining the talent we have. Children who have been brought up through the system will often lose interest particularly as cricket has no media coverage in Argentina.”

Argentina has four cricket leagues with five or six teams in each league and Dugmore estimated that around 300 people play the game across the country. He suggested that this could be due to a rugby boom in the 1960s and 1970s which resulted in a decline in the popularity of cricket. Despite this Argentina is one of the more successful cricketing countries in South America, leaving Chile, Brazil and Uruguay behind as they compete in the 4th division of the ICC World Cricket League, and have been as high as the second division.

With the help of coach Toby Bailey, a playing member of MCC, Argentina hope to do well against USA, Tanzania, Italy, Nepal and the Cayman Islands next week, particularly as these matches are part of only a handful of games they play each year. Despite their lack of match practice Bailey said that “the spirit of cricket certainly exists within these players, they want to perform well and as such are prepared to train outside in 2 or 3 degrees. They expect me to be used to the cold as I am from England – but I have never had to train in outdoor nets in the winter!”

Bailey went on to explain that he realised his calling when he captained an MCC tour to Mozambique. “Seeing the enthusiasm in the team we played compared to the level of coaching and facilities they had available made me see how I wanted to direct my cricket career and since the job came up with Argentina Cricket last year I have never looked back”.

On Monday the side played Teddington, Bailey’s old club, and despite being beaten by 80 runs the side learned a lot. Although they are playing for their country, these Argentine cricketers are not professionals and so playing Teddington, who are currently in the last four of the national club competition, was good practice for their tournament next week.

Bailey explained how his contacts with Teddington and MCC helped him to organise this tour to London as a warm up for Italy and how two MCC Young Cricketers, Paul Mitchell and Tom Lewis, coached and played with the Argentinean side during the English winter. They raised the standard of the Argentines and were integral members of the Under-19 coaching set-up.

Bailey also coaches the Women’s side, which has become increasingly successful in recent years. This could be due to the fact that other sports do not threaten women’s cricket as much and the skills from the main ladies’ sport, hockey, are transferrable. It could well be the Argentine ladies who are the first to put Argentina on the worldwide cricket map.

MCC match manager Mike Gatting, who captained the MCC tour to Argentina in 2006, also highlighted the Spirit of Cricket which exists in Argentina. Gatting stated that he “was pleasantly surprised by the local people, their enthusiasm and organisation. They had some excellent games in 2006 and played on some lovely pitches particularly that of the Hurlingham Club in the Buenos Aires Province of Hurlingham”.

With persistent rain ruling out any play, Gatting ran a question and answer session with the players to prepare the Argentinean side for their campaign next week and also reminisced about captaining in the World XI vs. MCC XI.

Although a ball wasn’t bowled the day proved that the Spirit of cricket was strong within the Argentine players and, for the dedicated group of players present at Wimbledon Cricket Club it is a vital part of their life despite being a minor sport in their country.

The Americas Division One tournament starts in Bermuda on Friday, with four of the six countries going into the event possibly with one eye on upcoming World Cricket League (WCL) commitments.

Canada are taking part in the WCL Division One tournament in early July in the Netherlands, while Argentina, Cayman Islands and United States are playing in WCL Division Four in Italy, possibly in August.

Canada have rested captain Ashish Bagai and its Australasian-based contingent from the competition in Bermuda. Bagai is expected to play in Division Four although whether John Davison and Ian Billcliff will make that trip is as yet unknown.

The Cayman Islands have rested their premier batsman, Pearson Best, for this tournament, but coach Theo Cuffy told Cricinfo he will play in WCL Division Four.

There are six changes from the United States squad which won Division Five in Nepal in January. Four of the squad - wicketkeeper Azhar Mehdi and medium-pacers Imtiaz Moazzam, Adrian Gordon and Mohammad Khan - are making their debuts while offspinning allrounder Mohammad Ghous and batsman Azurdeen Mohammed played in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year. Steve Massiah is again the captain of a USA squad which, as is typical, has no American-born players.

Argentina has a new coach in former Northamptonshire player, Toby Bailey, following the return of Hamish Barton to New Zealand. Match fitness may not be a huge issue for Argentina, this tournament coming not long after the close of their domestic season although the team has not played together as a unit since WCL Division Three in January 2009.

Aside from playing in front of home crowds, the other feature for Bermuda will be the first hit-out under new coach, Australian David Moore, who is thought to be something of a disciplinarian. The captain is the vastly experienced David Hemp.

Bahamas return to Division One and are looking to consolidate their place in the top flight of cricket in the region. For the first time, a three-day Twenty20 event has been added.

The Argentine Cricket Association have begun recruiting a new coach to replace Hamish Barton, who has left to join Cricket New Zealand.

In a press release, the board says:

The successful candidate will have two major challenges within the next twelve months, the World Cricket League Division 4 tournament, and an ICC Americas Division 1 championship. In addition to coaching the senior men’s national squad, the position will also include managing Argentina’s high performance program, which also includes working with the senior fringe players, the best players in the U23, U19 and U15 age brackets, as well as the senior women’s team.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence in October of 2009, and must be available for at least one year. An attractive salary and benefits package will be offered, including accommodation.

Applications are invited, and should include application letter, full CV, plus at least two contactable references. Short-listed candidates will be notified and may need to be available for an interview. Any enquiries and/or full applications should be sent to the following email address:

admin@cricketargentina.com

The closing day is Friday July 17.

Following the superb beach cricket festival tournament which the Argentina team put up a spirited performance, the focus of the ICC Americas centenary celebrations shifted to Argentina. There cannot be that many fixtures in world cricket as historic as the annual three-day North v South match played in Argentina, and the 110th version of this timeless match was another great occasion.

The idea for the game was born in a railway station in the far northern city of Tucuman, when the proposal was made and accepted to challenge Buenos Aires, and a dividing line between north and south set about 350km north of Buenos Aires, a little north of Rosario.
Early in November of 1891, the cricketers of the North travelled to play the South at Palermo in Buenos Aires, and the legendary tale of this famous game had begun.

Played over two days in November, the North won this first contest by three wickets – South 102 and 124 ; North 183 and 45 for 7. Including that first game, there have been a total of 109 matches, South having won 44, North winning 26, with 39 drawn (including washed out) matches. The match has been played consistently since 1891, except for the War years, 1916 to 1918, and 1942 to 1945.

This year, the big game was designated the ICC Centenary event, and it is relevant to note that in 1909, the North and South was already in its 18th year, the match played at Hurlingham on February 21, 22 and 23. South were the victors the year the ICC was born, winning by 119 runs – South 213 and 261 for 4 dec; North 69 and 286.

It is fitting that Belgrano Athletic Club hosted the match in the ICC Centenary year, as it was also the venue of the North v South Centenary match, in 1999, the 100th contest, a match won by the North by five wickets – South 237 for 7 dec and 150 ; North 244 for 5 dec and 144 for 5. The 100th match was also the 50th played at Belgrano, and this year will be the 54th game at the great ground.

Kenneth Bridger, in the foreword of his book North and South – A History Of The Annual Cricket Classic In Argentina, writes with some insight and reverence about the game: “That is has survived is a triumph to the spirit and love of the game; many times through the years it has been on the point of folding up or changing its name, but always wiser councils sought ways and means to keep it going.”

That was written in 1974, and 35 years on, the unique spirit and love of the game in Argentina is shining as strongly as ever. For the record the South won by eight wickets. Grant Dugmore, ICC

Argentina took part in a very successful and enjoyable beach cricket tournament in Vina del Mar, Chile, finishing in fourth place in the six team international event, behind winners India, runners-up England, and Australia. Two Chilean teams also took part. Played on the sand in a sports arena metres from the Pacific surf, this second beach cricket event organized by Chile was also a ICC Centenary event.

The Argentina team was captained by Rodrigo Scioscia, with the rest of the team made up of members of the Argentina national women's squad, the Flamingos, namely Catalina Greloni, Cecilia Birnie, Delfina Canton, Brandy Auld and Belen Casas. As he was qualified as eligible, ICC Americas RDO Grant Dugmore also turned out for the team. A memorable event and a fantastic time spent in good company in a great part of the world - many thanks to the Chilean Cricket Association and especially Patricio Caamano for their wonderful organization and hospitality.

As a vehicle in order to further develop girls and women’s cricket in Argentina, as well as for preparation towards their participation in the Americas Women's Championship in May later this year, the Argentina national team, the Flamingos, have been taking part in the senior Second Division Championship, a 30-over competition. In the eight team league, the Flamingos are currently placed 6th after four rounds, but scored an important first victory recently and remain confident of notching up more in their remaining three games. The players have also expressed how positive the experience has been so far, and exercise that is obviously proving very beneficial. The team for the Americas tournament will be announced later in March.

Argentina Women comfortably beat their Brazilian counterparts in a three-match Twenty20 series in Buenos Aires.

The considerably more experienced Argentinian squad won both the first day’s matches comfortably enough and made sure of the trophy, but the Brazilians showed in their enthusiasm and desire to learn that it would not be long before they were able to compete with the other Associates’ and Affiliates’ women’s sides in the region.

The visit returns one made by Argentina to Brasilia in 2007, soon after the formation of the Brazilian women’s team.

International umpire Karran Bayney, who had been officiating in the World Cricket League Division 3 tournament, said after the matches that he was impressed both by the spirit in which the games had been played and the improvement in the visitors’ performance as the day went on.

Rod Lyall has the full report at CricketEurope.

Argentina cruised to a seven-wicket win over Brazil with eight overs to spare in a women’s Twenty20 international in Buenos Aires.

Brazil were restricted to 76 for 9, with 17 wides the biggest contributor to their score. Brazil made things hard for themselves with five of their top six falling to run-outs.

Argentina were never in trouble, but Brazil’s bowlers were as they shipped 28 wides, Reinehr leading the way with eight in one ten-ball period.

Papua New Guinea won their third match in a row, defeating Uganda by 26 runs at Belgrano while Afghanistan beat the hosts, Argentina, on the third day of the World Cricket League. Hong Kong handed Cayman Islands its third straight defeat, too. Click here for the round-up.

There was a soggy end to the tour of Argentina by Bermuda’s development side, but a 12-run victory over an Argentina President’s XI at the Hurlingham Club was enough to ensure they won the Baimax Cup by three games to one.

Heavy rain meant there was never really any hope of play starting in the fifth game at the Belgrano Athletic Club but the series was decided the day before as fifties from Irving Romaine and Glenn Blakeney sealed the win despite Argentina posting 269 for 9, their best score of the rubber.

The schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 which takes place in Argentina next month has been announced. The two finalists will progress to the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April.

Click here for the complete schedule

Results went according to the script on the second day of the ICC Americas Division 1 tournament as USA, Bermuda and Canada registered comfortable victories

At Brian Piccolo Park another fine innings from Hamish Barton steered Argentina to a respectable 200 for 9 against USA, but that was put into perspective by Sushil Nadkarni, who struck his second century in two days. Nadkarni hit 109 off 116 balls as USA cantered home with 12 overs to spare. Argentina's day didn't improve when Barton picked up an ankle injury and he is in doubt for the next match against Cayman Islands.

"We played well against determined opposition and did the job we set out to do," Imran Khan, the USA manager, said. "While our batting - and especially Sushil - is looking good, we have work to do on being more disciplined in the field, and especially not gifting the opposition with bowling extras."

Canada had a less stressful match than yesterday, when they almost slipped up against Argentina, easing to a 206-run victory against Cayman Islands. At Central Broward Regional Park, they racked up an impressive 298 for 9. Opener Sandeep Jyoti top-scored with a stylish 88 off 129 balls, while further half-centuries came from Zubin Surkari and Qaiser Ali.

Cayman Islands' chase began poorly when they lost a wicket first ball and the innings never recovered, eventually folding for 92 in under 33 overs. Khurram Chohan took 3 for 34 and Zahid Hussain claimed 3 for 11

"We set ourselves goals today and I believe we achieved almost all of them," Canada captain, Umar Bhatti, said. "The team performed tremendously well today, all three departments were up to scratch, and it was a huge improvement from yesterday."

On the main stadium field at Central Broward Regional Park, Bermuda were predictably too strong for Suriname and notched a commanding 224-run win. Lionel Cann's 97-ball 101 led Bermuda to 290 for 3 and he was helped by Stephen Outerbridge's 62, plus a half century from captain Irving Romaine.

In reply, left-arm spinner Delyone Borden proved too much the Suriname batsmen, taking 6 for 17 from his 10 overs as the minnows were bundled out for 66, having been skittled for 60 in their opening match.

Bermuda's coach, Gus Logie, was pleased with how his team are progressing. "Today was all about building on yesterday's effort, and we did that strongly," he said. "It was also good to continue building confidence for the tough games ahead. We are constantly looking for self-improvement and today we got that, also our attitude and approach towards the game was very business-like, which was important."

The ICC Americas Division One tournament will be staged in Florida from November 24 to December 1, with the new Broward County stadium hosting some of the matches.

Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Suriname and USA will take part.

In the last competition in 2006 in Canada, Bermuda beat USA in the final.

Tony Munro

Argentina player-coach Hamish Barton expects an improved showing at next month's Americas Championship in Florida thanks to the experience gained from the World Cricket League.

"We have played a lot more international cricket through the WCL and the players have
gained invaluable experience so we are looking to be a lot more competitive this time around," Barton said.

And last year's WCL Division 3 tournament in Darwin would have been hugely beneficial to Argentine confidence not just because they were finalists, losing to Uganda. They beat the Cayman Islands in the semi-finals, their first ever win over their regional foes, who they face at the Americas Championship on November 27. The tournament runs from November 25 to November 30.

Argentina will field two debutants in Florida - Barton, who is from New Zealand, and David Mauro, an allrounder. Mauro spent last season as coach of the Chilean national team and although originally from Argentina, played in New Zealand in 2006-07.

Argentina: Esteban MacDermott (capt) (Lomas Athletic), Alejandro Ferguson (vice-captain) (Belgrano Athletic), Hamish Barton (player/coach) (Hurlingham), Agustin Casime (St Albans), Pablo Ferguson (Belgrano Athletic), Donny Forrester (Belgrano Athletic), Tommy Francis (St Albans), Diego Lord (Lomas Athletic), David Mauro (Lomas Athletic), Esteban Nino (Belgrano Athletic), Lucas Paterlini (St Albans), Pablo Ryan (Lomas Athletic), Gary Savage (Hurlingham), Martin Siri (Lomas Athletic); Team Manager - Derek Culley, Fitness trainer/Physio - Martin Sacchetti.

The Americas Region Division I is now confirmed to take place in Florida, November 24
December 1. Five matches will be played in the new stadium built for cricket in Broward County.
–
Six countries, Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Suriname and the USA will
compete for the title. For Suriname, an affiliate, it will be their first appearance in Division I. The team earned the right to compete having won Division 2.

The highlight of a quiet month for Argentina was the Third Multimar Junior Winter Cup which was played on the first weekend of July. The full details are from the ICC Americas Newsflash:

Unfortunately the weather once again played a major part as the day’s play was brought to an early end. The tournament was once again kindly hosted by St. George’s College. There were four teams from Lomas A.C, Belgrano A.C, St. Alban’s and St.George’s that took part in the event, with each team playing two matches.

All matches were based on 15 overs per side. It was encouraging to note the improvement of many of the players, thanks to these Winter Cups and the coaching clinics held over the past three months. Unfortunately the rain came towards the end of another successful day with both matches still to complete their final innings. The day was completed with some drinks and food for the kids and the group watching a DVD on international cricket. Once again, another successful day and looking good for a busy three months before the 2008/09 season kicks off.

Catalina Greloni, Delfina Canton, Veronica Vasquez and Cecilia Birnie took part in the Cricket Coaching Academy held in Trinidad and Tobago. The players gained valuable experience during the course of the two weeks and no doubt will apply this to their game in the seasons to come. The Argentine Cricket Association would like to thank Ann Browne-John and her team for the excellent work done at the Academy and for all that they are doing to develop the game in the Americas region.

The Argentine Cricket Association has recently formed the first ever Argentine Cricket Officials
Association (ACOA) which is being driving by the ACA’s High Performance Manager Hamish Barton, who is acting as Chairman of the ACOA Committee. The committee consists of two local umpires (Malcolm Gibson and David Gibson) and two local scorers (Brandy Auld and Vicky Gibson).

The ACOA Mission Statement is - to establish a governing body that, in conjunction with the High Performance Manager of the Argentine Cricket Association, administers the development of umpiring and scoring (officiating) in Argentina and provides opportunities for people to become
officials through the necessary tools, promotion, accreditation, remuneration and career pathways.

Hamish Barton (National Coach/High Performance Manager) recently returned to New Zealand for three weeks to start the New Zealand Cricket Level 3 coaching qualification. This is the highest cricket coaching accreditation in New Zealand and is run over two years with coaches required to complete 10 modules (5 per year).

The AOC touring team commenced their world tour with a short stop over in Buenos Aires where they played two matches against local composite teams. Their first match was played against the ACA Presidents XI.

AOC won the toss and elected to bat first, making a respectable 200 for 7 in their allotted 40 overs. The ACA Presidents made a strong start but fell one run short of their target.

In the second match, played on a wet and cold day, the Buenos Aires XI won the toss and elected to field first. The AOC got off to a good start and ended with 198/8. The BA XI got off to a disastrous start, losing their first 2 wickets with the score on 5 runs. G. Savage (30) and
T. Francis (16) restored some order, but they were all out for 160 giving the visitors a victory by 38 runs.

The AOC departed for Canada where they will continue their world tour before heading off to
New York, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Nepal and India.

Argentina’s Catalina Greloni, Delfina Canton, Veronica Vasquez and Cecilia Birnie took part in the Cricket Coaching Academy held in Trinidad and Tobago. The players gained valuable experience during the course of the two weeks. An Argentina spokesperson said: “The Argentine Cricket Association would like to thank Ann Browne-John and her team for the excellent work done at the Academy and for all that they are doing to develop the game in the Americas region.”

This news first appeared in the ICC Americas Newsflash

Next week's ICC annual get-together promises to have more than its fair share of politicking, posturing and controversy. But, unless there is a major about-turn, it should also be a watershed for the Associates and Affiliates.

In 2009, income from the ICC's six-year media deal with ESPN-Star, worth over US$1 billion, kicks in, and while the game's big boys will still keep the lion's share, the rest will see substantial increases in their incomes.

Although the ICC draws considerable flak on many fronts, it is quietly committed to promoting the game in as many countries as possible, and it does that by means of a myriad of competitions and initiatives. Most do not warrant much media attention, but they are there and they work.

Until now, the gripe of the smaller countries, and especially those bubbling just underneath the top flight, has been about the inequality of the way in which the game is financed. That was never more apparent than when it came to earnings from last year's World Cup.

Ireland got a flat fee of US$125,000 a year for four years for taking part, and on top of that they received another $50,000 for reaching the Super Eights. However, because of the extra costs involved in their progression, not least because their players are not professional cricketers and their absences from their full-time jobs had to be underwritten, Ireland's success actually left the board out of pocket.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, turned up, tied with Ireland and never threatened to progress after being thumped by Pakistan and West Indies. For those three matches, Zimbabwe Cricket received US$11 million, their share of the pot as a Full Member.

The top six Associates receive no more than US$500,000 a year - some substantially less - to fund their entire operations. Out of that they have to pay all their cricketing and administration costs. Only those with a low cost of living, such as Kenya, can hope to maintain a professional squad on that kind of money.

The gulf between the haves and have-nots is further widened by the limited sums Associates can earn from sponsorship and media contracts. Zimbabwe can exploit home series against, say, India to carve out lucrative TV deals worth millions, and on the back of that, attract shirt- and other corporate sponsorship. As highlighted by Scotland's failure to secure any TV deal for their forthcoming ODI against England, the Associates struggle to get such income streams.

The new deals will provide a substantial increase for Associates, especially for the countries who are pressing for space at the top table. Until now the share has been roughly equal, rewarding Netherlands and Kenya on par with Thailand and Fiji. The new system will see more demarcation between the top Associates and the rest.

The leading ten could earn as much as US$1.5 million a year from 2009. There will then be an onus on them to professionalise their administrations, but several of them are already well down that route. They will also be more accountable - the ICC does not want a repeat of the mess that came following a spike in Kenya's funding earlier in the decade.

The second-string Associates will also get more - around US$160,000 as a base figure - but then again the demands on them are less. Even Affiliates will receive US$15,000, with the opportunity for more should they make a good enough case. There will also be more cash in the pot for participating and hosting competitions.

There have never been more opportunities for development outside the Full Member countries, but there remain some nagging worries.

The main one is how to bridge the gap between semi and full-blown professionalism. Almost all the Associates rely on dedicated amateurs, both on and off the field. As the number of ICC competitions has increased - and they have to be welcomed - the pressure has begun to tell. Scotland and Ireland particularly have already found players cannot meet all their commitments, and even the increased income will not allow them to employ a full-time squad.

"So much of putting players on full-time retainers depends on how many fixtures we can command," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive, said. "At the moment, all we can promise the squad in 2009 is a World Cup qualifying campaign, eight FP Trophy matches, an England game, and probably some Intercontinental Cup matches. Of course, we hope to have more, but can't be sure at the moment.

"Our top players are already plying their trade in county cricket, while others have full-time jobs which they may not wish to give up. The actual number of players that the coach will want to put on a full-time contract, or else the number that even want to have one, may not be that many."

The other quandary is how to get them fixtures. Kenya, widely regarded as the leading Associate, have found it almost impossible to get Full Member countries to visit or host them. As a result they invariably play other Associates. Good for the win-loss ratio, not so clever in providing the kind of experience that no amount of money can buy.

These issues will need to be addressed, but for now the future has never looked so promising beyond the Test world.

The Hurlingham Hawks created history in the final weekend of the 2007-08 season as they claimed the Triple Crown (First Division Championship/Robin Stuart Shield/NEC Cup). They overcame a late challenge from the St.Albans Sharks to claim their third title of the season, the First Division NEC Cup.

In the third and fourth play off at St.George’s College, Lomas Eagles beat Belgrano Cavaliers by 32 runs in a low-scoring match.

The following awards were made in the prize giving at the end of both matches:

Final
Man of the Match – Gary Savage; Best Bowler - Gary Savage; Best Batsman – Dougal Ferguson.

Third/Fourth play off
Man of the Match – David Mauro & Paul Ryan; Best Bowler – Hernan Fennell; Best Batsman – Mike Ryan

This article first appeared in an ICC Americas newsletter

Eleven women players from Argentina, Bermuda and Canada will depart for Trinidad this month as part of an ICC Americas development programme. The academy will take place at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre in Trinidad and Tobago from May 18-29. The program will be run by Ann Browne-John – the ICC Women’s Committee Representative, former West Indies Captain and Level 2 WICB Coach – who is assisted by former international players and qualified coaches Stephanie Power and Jasmine Sammy. The girls will have 10 days of intensive training, education, game situations and will be trying out for the WICB tournament to be held in Jamaica in July.

The annual three-day match, the highlight of Argentine cricket which has been played for many years, was rained out on two consecutive weekends so the captains decided to play a 50-over friendly game.

The South won the toss and sent the North in. On a very tricky wicket the North struggled to close their 50 overs on 155 for 9 with Gary Savage a well-played 40 not out. The South passed their target for the loss of six wickets in the 34th over. A. Buurman (48) and C. Gibson (34) top scored.

The Mad Dogs team from New York toured Argentina for 10 days in February and played a total of five matches. The series was very even with local teams St. Albans, Lomas and Argentine Colts recording victories. The visitors won two matches against the ACA President’s X1 and Belgrano.

History was made by the four major first division clubs as they played their first ever in full coloured clothing. The NEC Trophy introduced for the first season had a semi final line up of Belgrano Cavaliers vs. Hurlingham Hawks and St.Albans Sharks vs. Lomas Eagles.

In the first match played at Virrey del Pino, Hurlingham Hawks proved too strong for the Belgrano Cavaliers as they crushed the home side by 201 runs.

In the other semi-final, St.Albans Sharks proved too strong for Lomas Eagles who batted first and could only manage 160 all out in 31 overs. St. Albans Sharks made a solid start and cruised to a six wicket victory to set up a final against the Hurlingham Hawks which is scheduled for April 13.

The number of people actively participating in cricket outside the Test-playing countries increased 17% in 2007, according to the ICC.

The research, carried out by the ICC's development program, was collated from 33 Associate and 58 Affiliate members. It showed that there were 338,051 male and female players in those countries in 2007, an increase of 49,158 on the previous year. Since 2002, when there were 144,047 participants, there has been a 135% rise.

Click here for the full story.

MCC finished their tour of Argentina with a win against the national side. Although they failed to bowl Argentina out twice, they won by virtue of a first-innings lead. MCC batted almost all the first day of the two-day game in scoring 378 for 9, built on fifties from Peter Trego, Martin George and Martin O’Reilly. Argentina batted slowly on the second day in making 223, but they had Paul Ferguson’s 60 to thank for bailing them out from 78 for 7. They reached 63 for 1 in their follow on.

MCC 378 for 9 (Trego 65, George 54, O’Reilly 53) beat Argentina 223 (Ferguson 60, Trego 5-76) and 63 for 1 on first innings.

The MCC’s good start to their tour of Argentina came to an end with defeat at the hands of the Argentina President’s XI, who overcame a stiff target of 282 with six overs to spare. Click here for a full report.

Argentina President’s XI 282 for 7 (Jrigoyen 82, Burman 81) beat MCC 281 for 6 (King 113) by three wickets

	© MCC

The MCC have won the first three matches of the two-week tour of Argentina. The opening game was rather one-sided, the MCC easily beating a ten-man Colts side, but the tourists were given a tougher time in the next two games against Argertina. The first match was only settled in the last over. Richard King’s 93 enabled the MCC to post a good score, but Argentina were right in the hunt when they required 20 off the last two overs but it proved beyond them. George Brooksbank took 3 for 26 in both matches. There are three more games, culminating in a two-day contest against the national side.

MCC 207 for 6 (Walker 47, Laidler 35) beat Argentina Colts 107 (Brooksbank 3-26) by 100 runs

MCC 260 for 8 (King 93, Forrester 3-39, Paterlini 3-46) beat Argentina 244 (Barton 71, Walker 4-44, , Bulpitt 3-28) by 16 runs

MCC 268 for 8 (Walker 54, Bedford 50 MacDermott 3-48) beat Argentina 253 (Forrester 86, Bulpitt 4-22) by 15 runs

The MCC are undertaking a two-week tour of Argentina during which they will play seven games including three one-day games and a two-day game against the Argentine national side, plus matches against an Argentina Colts XI and an Argentina Presidents Cricket XI.

"I am delighted to have been asked to captain this tour, which once again sees MCC face the Argentine national side." Somerset's PeterTrego, who will lead the side, said. "This will be a fantastic opportunity for me to get good match experience in different conditions ahead of a busy county season.

"We take with us two promising players from the MCC University Centres of Cricketing excellence, Loughborough's Richard King and Oxford's Will Mottram, who are combining their cricketing and academic ambitions with the help of MCC's funding of the UCCEs."

MCC squad P D Trego (capt), G S Brooksbank, G Bulpitt, W M George, S Gibson, R King, M Laidler, W J Mottram, M G O'Reilly, R E Walker, B R Wigley, R F Wycherley, R J Woods. P Bedford (Manager).

UAE underlined their ambition to take part in the 2011 World Cup by winning the World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia, defeating Oman in the final. Denmark and Namibia also booked their place in the 2009 Qualifer, but Uganda and Argentina finished in the bottom two and were relegated back to Division Three.

Click here for Cricinfo’s full coverage of the tournament.

The 2007-08 Argentine cricket season kicked off in the last weekend of October with the Saturday Championships (Second Division tournament). This year’s Saturday Championship league includes nine teams.

The month of November will see the continuation of the Saturday Championships along with the First division Twenty20 League (six teams). It is also an action packed month for the juniors with the School U-15 and open leagues and the first ever ADE Trios Festival. There will also be a number of Kanga festivals held.

Argentina will also host a combined South American team (consisting of four players from Chile and Brazil respectively). The South American team will play a four match series (including two Twenty20 games) against the Argentina national team in preparation for the forthcoming ICC WCL Division 2 tournament, due to be held in Windhoek, Namibia from November 24 to December 2.

The Argentina National team are finalising their preparation for the ICC WCL Division 2 tournament. The team will depart Buenos Aires on November 17 and will spend five days based in Potchefstroom (South Africa) where they will play two warm up matches kindly hosted by North West cricket. The schedule for the ICC WCL Division 2 tournament is as follows:

Nov.24 – Argentina vs Oman

Nov. 25 – Argentina vs Namibia

Nov.27 – Argentina vs UAE

Nov.28 – Argentina vs Uganda

Nov.30 – Argentina vs Denmark

Courtesy ICC Americas

	Trinidad and Tobago's explosive talent, Amanda Samaroo © ICC

Canada’s women have given their country some joy, with victory in the first ICC Americas Women’s Championship, held in Canada. They overhauled Bermuda by five wickets in the deciding victory.

Bermuda, though, have the consolation of a place at the World Cup qualifiers in Lahore in November. Argentina sank to three defeats in three, but will take some positives – and have two players competing for a place in the ICC Americas XI who take on Trinidad & Tobago Under-17 on Friday.

T&T have been the outstanding side of this tournament – their latest victory a huge victory against Argentina – but they were not eligible for the title. Nevertheless, it has been excellent experience for them. And they appear to have a rising star in their ranks – the batsman Amanda Samaroo, whose highlight was a superb unbeaten 128, off only 125 balls.

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Openers Ruvindu Gunasekera and Terryn Fray stroked centuries of contrasting styles and offspinner Pratik Patel captured a remarkable 7 for 3 as Canada and Bermuda maintained their winning streak in the five-team round-robin Americas Under-19 World Cup Qualifier in Toronto on Wednesday.

Canada and Bermuda lived up to their pre-tournament favourites' tag by scoring convincing victories in their Americas Under-19 Qualifiers in Toronto on Tuesday. Canada beat Argentina by nine wickets while Bermuda won their second match in a row by beating Cayman Islands by seven wickets.

Click here for the full report ...

Bermuda and the Cayman Islands notched victories on the opening day of the Americas Under-19 Qualifiers, as Bermuda eased past the Bahamas by 195 runs while the Cayman Islands powered to a ten-wicket win over Argentina.

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Canada face a stiff challenge from Bermuda in their bid to return to the Under-19 World Cup when the five-team round-robin Americas U-19 Qualifier begins at Mapleleaf CC, King City in Toronto on Monday (August 13).

Argentina, Caymans Islands and debutants Bahamas are the other teams taking part in the week-long competition. The winner will join the ICC’s 10 Full Members, hosts Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Ireland (who recently qualified from the East-Asia Pacific and European Regions respectively) at the 16-team U-19 World Cup to be played in Malaysia next February. Canada missed the 2006 event in Sri Lanka but participated in the 2002 and 2004 tournaments.

Familiar home conditions, an improving infrastructure and more international exposure helps Canada to start as firm favourites and coach Courtney Gonsalves is optimistic that his players are ready for the event. “All the players attended the elite programme we started last October in which we set up talent hunt and training camps throughout Canada,” he said. “Our goal is to qualify for next year’s U-19 World Cup and I am sure that the combination of this elite programme along with exposure in the premier division will help us achieve our target.”

However, Canada are likely to be tested by Bermuda who have been bolstered by the inclusion of allrounders Malachi Jones and Stefan Kelly, who played in the recent full World Cup, while the youngsters' captain Rodney Trott narrowly missed the event. The trio will rejoin the senior Bermuda team for the match against Ireland in the ICC Intercontinental Cup after completing the Toronto assignment.

Bermuda coach Arnold Manders believes his team’s hopes of earning a finals berth are better than ever. “I think our chances of winning are greater than previous years because we have played more matches as a team and the players are confident in their individual roles.”

Bermuda prepared for the tournament by playing eight domestic 50-overs-a-side competition matches between May and June besides participating in the Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament in Barbados which was also used as a training camp for the Americas U-19 Qualifier.

“We have worked tirelessly on the team concept, and the individual discipline of the players have really improved. Our team this year is mentally stronger [than previously] and combined with the intense training the players received from the coaches, this should result in a good team combination. The players have the knowledge and now they need to produce.”

For Argentina, it will be their first appearance in this event as an ICC Associate Member. They have previously struggled at the junior level but it would be dangerous to discount them, particularly after the senior team’s heroics in Darwin in June where they earned promotion to the World Cricket League Division 2 by qualifying for the final of the Division 3 tournament.

Middle-order batsman Pedro Bruno, left-arm seam bowler Santiago Irigoyen and allrounders Ignacio Redruello and Tomas Birnie were part of that successful campaign in Darwin, but instead of making big predictions, coach Hamish Barton has set his sights on winning at least once in Toronto. “Basically our main goal is to win one game. We feel this is a realistic goal for the Argentine team considering the team’s past performances and the stage of its development.”

Barton said the sport is still in the embryonic stage in Argentina and the team has prepared as best it can in the tough winter season. “The players are very much in the development stage and we are aiming to do the basics right and achieve our specific goals for each skill area, the experience and exposure to international cricket.

“The team has prepared as best it could as it is winter in Argentina at the moment and training has been extremely difficult at times. But the team has trained well and the development of the players over the last three months has been very pleasing.”

Caymans Islands have always been very competitive at youth level and nobody is expecting them to be far behind this time. Captain Ramon Sealy, along with top-order batsman Darren Cato and bowler Kervin Ebanks, have played in the Caymans Islands domestic Division 1 tournament for the last two years.

Sealy sees batting as his team’s strength. “I think the team has a good chance of winning because we have a strong batting line-up which is not only capable of setting high totals but chasing them as well.”

Bahamas are the only Affiliate Member in the group and are fielding a team for the first time. The senior team will participate in next year’s ICC World Cricket League Division 5 to be played in Jersey in May.

Bahamas captain Gregory Taylor hopes that the Americas U-19 Qualifier will help his country’s bid towards earning ICC’s Associate Membership. He said: “We hope to achieve recognition as an Affiliate power house and to show the ICC and the world that we are ready to become an Associate Member of the ICC. Two years ago we did not have a full U-19 team, but we worked hard under the guidance of coach John Welch to achieve this. Jonathan Barry, Jeremy Jesubatham, Rodrick Mitchel and I came up in the U-15 program from 2001 and have played a lot of cricket with the seniors.”

The United States of America, who took part in their first U-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2006 are missing this time as the USA Cricket Association is currently suspended as an ICC Member.

Argentina Juan Tomas Birnie (capt), Alejo Tissera, Augusto Mustafa, Facundo Duggan, Hernan Fennell, Horacio Esperon, Ignacio Fermani, Ignacio Redruello, Juan Pablo Bordacahar, Pablo Siracusa, Pedro Bruno, Ramiro Rodriguez Delgado, Santiago Iritxity Irigoyen, Santiago Paez Nicoletti.

Bahamas Gregory Taylor (capt), Adrian Dean, Ambry Moss, Anwar Sawyer, Corie Frazer, Franz Taylor, Fritz Stubbs, Jeremy Jesubatham, Jermaine Adderley, Jonathan Barry, LaSalle Thompson, Marc Taylor, Rodrick Mitchel, Rudolph Fox.

Bermuda Rodney Trott (capt), Christopher Douglas, Dennico Hollis, Greg Maybury, Hodsoll Kyle, Jordan De Silva, Khiry Furbert, Lamar Richardson, Malachi Jones, Marico Bassett, Stefan Kelly, Steven Bremar Jr, Tamauri Tucker, Terryne Fray.

Canada Abishek Krisnamoorthy (capt), Chris Monohar (vice-captain), Arsalan Qadir, Asif Manjra, Hasan Raza Zaidi, Jaskeerat Singh Kalon, Kevin James, Khushal Gangopadhyay, Majid Usman, Pratik Patel, Riayzkhan Pathan, Rustum Bhatti, Ruvindu Gunasekera, Usman Iqubal.

Cayman Islands Ramon Sealy (capt), Corey Cato, Dale Parker, Darado Thompson, Darren Cato, Earl Hart, Kervin Ebanks, Patrick McConvey, Robert Hewitt, Sacha DeAlwis, Shane Cato, Vincent Ebanks, Zachary McLaughlin.

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Uganda celebrate their victory © ICC

As expected, Uganda won the World Cricket League Division Three final, beating Argentina by 91 runs in Darwin. But Argentina, who only qualified for the tournament after USA were expelled last month, came close to pulling off what would have been a remarkable upset.

At one stage Uganda, the hot favourites, had slumped to 79 for 7, after being asked to bat, with Argentina captain Esteban MacDermott, who was later adjudged player of the tournament, taking three wickets. However Frank Nsubuga, who made 55 from 38 balls, and Laurence Sematimba added a vital 80 for the eight wicket. Sematimba and Patrick Ochan, 56 from 34 balls, then posted 82 for the ninth wicket as Uganda reached 241 for 8. Nsubuga outstanding all-round day continued, taking 4 for 27 as Argentina were bowled out for 150 in the 47th over.

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Uganda and Argentina have been promoted to Division Two of the World Cricket League following their march into the final of Division Three in Darwin. Division Two, in Namibia, gets underway in November.

1st semi-final

Esteban MacDermott, the Argentina captain, produced a match-winning performance when he captured 4 for 20 to bowl out the Cayman Islands for 102 in the 40th over. Steve Gordon, who scored a century in the opening game against Tanzania, top-scored with 38 but only Saheed Mohamed (29) and Keniel Irving (19) reached double figures. Argentina's chase began poorly, stumbling to 58 for 4, but Alejandro Ferguson saw them through to the final with a composed 25.

"The boys could have easily lost focus or confidence after the one-wicket defeat against Italy," MacDermott said, "but they remained committed and stayed on track because they trusted their instincts. This is the reward for their dedication and continuous hard work.

"The credit for our promotion to Division 2 not only goes to the team but to the entire support staff and all those who backed us all the way. Our performance in the tournament shows how rapidly cricket is growing in our country where soccer remains the first-choice sport."

2nd semi-final

Uganda held its nerve to beat Papua New Guinea by one wicket with only four balls to spare at Tracy Village thanks to a brilliant 43 from Keneth Kamyuka, who added 15 for the last wicket with Charles Waiswa. Chasing 204, Roger Mukasa got Uganda off to a good start with a slick 43 from just 34 balls at the top of the order. But PNG hit back to cause a middle-order slump, Jamie Brazier bowling beautifully to pick up 4 for 17 from his 10 overs, but Kanyuka and Lawrence Sematimba combined to take them closer. And although wickets continued to tumble Kamyuka and Waiswa held their nerve to take Uganda into the final against Argentina. "Obviously now we want to win the final and have immediately set our eyes at Argentina, but for the time being we want to enjoy this achievement because when we left our shores, the target was to qualify for the final and earn a place in Division 2," Joel Olweny, the Uganda captain, said. "It has been a very tense and pressurised match and the boys have more than one reason to celebrate. The boys really deserve it."

Plate semi-finals

In the plate semi-finals, Hong Kong registered their first win of the series when they beat Italy by 39 runs. Hong Kong, batting first, scored 195 in 50 overs and then dismissed Italy for 146 in 45 overs with Ilyas Gull, the captain, picking up impressive figures of 3 for 37 and Zaheer Abbas and Najeeb Amar scooping two wickets each. In the plate final on Saturday, Hong Kong will face Tanzania who beat Fiji by three wickets.

Argentina and Papua New Guinea (PNG) complete the semi-final line-up of the World Cricket League Division 3 after recording impressive victories on the last day of the group matches in Darwin. Argentina take on Cayman Islands in the semi-finals tomorrow, while PNG meet Uganda.

Group A

Argentina routed Fiji for 44 inside 22 overs before knocking off the target in 30 balls. Esteban Nino, bowling with impressive pace, took 4 for 16 while Gary Savage and Diego Lord shared the remaining six. At one stage, Fiji were 9 for 7; that they reached the lofty heights of 44 owed much to Vuiyasawa Mateiwaqa's 16 and 15 extras. Lucas Paterlini and Grant Dugmore knocked off the required runs in the fifth over.

PNG beat Italy by eight wickets, but it was their superior net run-rate which edged them into the semi-finals, after both teams were tied following two wins each. PNG, who suffered a shock five-wicket defeat against Argentina on Tuesday, had to beat the Italians by a convincing margin to earn a berth in the last four. They did just that, dismissing Italy for 134 before cruising to their target in the 34th over. Arua Uda top-scored with 58 from 92 balls.

Group B

Poor shot selection from the Cayman Islands condemned them to a 26-run defeat to Uganda. Both teams had already qualified for the semis on Tuesday but Uganda put in an excellent allround performance, dismissing Cayman Islands for 127 in the 47th over with Charles Waiswa picking up 2 for 21. Uganda's 153 was led by Arthur Kyobe, the 18-year-old, who struck 37 from 64 balls.

Tanzania tasted its first win of the tournament, overpowering Hong Kong by five wickets. Hong Kong made 161, with Rahul Sharma notching 43 while Bhavesh Govind took 3 for 31. Tanzania cruised home with Abhik Patwa and Rishen Patel putting on 77 for the opening stand, edging over the line in the 47th over.

Eight of cricket’s emerging nations will be hoping to take one step towards qualification for the 2011 World Cup when the World Cricket League Division 3 gets underway this Sunday (May 27) in Darwin.

The top two teams from this event will join UAE, Namibia, Denmark and Oman
in Windhoek, Namibia at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 November. The top four teams from the event in Namibia will automatically qualify for the ICC World Cup Qualifier in the UAE in 2009, while the two remaining teams will have a second chance to qualify for the UAE tournament at the World Cricket League Division 3 in early 2009.

Click here for the full team-by-team preview.

It won't get many column inches in the mainstream cricket press, but the World Cricket League, which started in Nairobi yesterday and continues into next week, features the best of the rest, the six sides just under the ten Test-playing countries. For the two finalists, the rewards are bountiful - a place among the big boys in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa this September, along with $250,000. For countries used to surviving on annual handouts from the ICC of less than $200,000, that's big money.

With the exception of Bermuda, cricket is not a mainstream sport in any of the participants. And yet it survives, and in some instances thrives, despite the lack of attention and a relatively small number of enthusiasts.

The ICC, who do sterling work in supporting the game's second and third tiers, will rightly use the event to highlight that cricket is not just about the Indians and Australias of the world.

But there remains a nagging worry. The ICC boasts that the game is spreading across the world. But is that right? Is it taking root or is it surviving because more people from its hotbed - south-east Asia - are emigrating and keeping it alive for the duration of their careers?

In last year's Wisden Almanack, Matthew Engel raised this very issue. "Overwhelmingly, the game in non-traditional countries is played by expatriates, mostly South Asian. Journalists were kidded into believing that cricket was about to burst on China, on the basis of some warm comments by civil servants and a couple of coaching courses. I have seen not one shred of evidence to back this up. Are the kids playing with tapeballs on the streets of Shanghai? Are they heck!"

Take Canada. Of the squad in Nairobi at the moment, only three were born in the country, and two of those are over 35. Of the rest, five come from the Caribbean, four from India and each from Pakistan and Uganda. Whereas other Associates have a smattering of expats, Canada are utterly reliant on them.

Engel's comment attracted fierce criticism from those who either argued that England had more than their share of "imports" or that the game only spread in Asia, Africa, Australasia and the Caribbean through expats playing it in the first place.

The worry in some countries is that rather the game is not being continued by the second and third generations but is only being maintained by a steady flow of new immigrants

With regards to England, yes there have been quite a few non English-born players who have been picked for the side, but the game still has a massive stronghold in the country. The selection has been more about improving a solid side. And as for the ex-pats argument? Well, yes, but that's the crucial point. In the regions flagged the game was brought in but it was then embraced by the indigenous population and taken on as their own. This is exemplified no better than in CLR James's seminal work, Beyond A Boundary.

The worry in some countries - and again I come back to Canada - is that rather the game is not being continued by the second and third generations but is only being maintained by a steady flow of new immigrants. Canada's cricket heritage is rich but there is little sign that it has been built on. This is best underlined by the selection of former West Indies international Anderson Cummins. Forty years old and without a major match to his name since 1995-96, he made his debut in Mombasa last week. What message does that send out about the strength in depth of cricket in Canada?

It's not just Canada. Look at the USA, whose 2004 Champions Trophy side was a collection of ageing expats whose performances verged on the disgraceful. And the UAE, which is almost entirely dependant on its ex-pat workforce to keep the game alive.

Cricket's expansion should not be about filling teams with expats and expecting the locals to get excited about it. The only way cricket can gain a foothold in emerging countries is by actually getting the indigenous population to embrace the game, and two excellent examples where this is happening are Nepal and Uganda.

Anderson Cummins of Barbados, West Inbies ... and now Canada © Eddie Norfolk

Does it matter? Yes, because as the ICC looks to develop the game in as many places as possible, that means the financial cake has to be cut in ever thinner slices. The ICC needs to concentrate on a smaller number of countries where the chances of the game taking off. It is invidious that Uganda gets the same basic allowance as Belgium.

Cricket is in trouble in its traditional homes in Africa - Zimbabwe are hell-bent on destruction and South Africa seems to be falling out of love with the game. So efforts should be made in Uganda . And in Asia, which everyone accepts is the game's stronghold, a side like Nepal should really be given the leg up. It's about targeting rather than a scattergun approach.

In fairness to the ICC, they have a tough time and a lot of countries scrambling for a share of the spoils. It's about weeding out the weak and really looking to grow the game in areas where it has the best chance of taking root. It's an almost impossible ask. Look at the repeated failure of American Football to crack Europe ... and if football itself still battles for acceptance outside expats and schools in the USA, then the size of the ICC's task becomes clear.

Of course expats have a key role to play in expansion. But if the game is basically played by them, is it the game spreading or is it more about diehards clinging to the traditions of their homelands? In the UK there are baseball and American football sides, but they are almost all expat Americans and so few would seriously claim the games have taken hold. However, basketball and ice hockey are widely played by locals, boosted by some imported players and expats, and, crucially, the national side can stand on its own two feet. That's the difference.

According to CricketEurope, the ICC will expand the World Cricket League to five divisions:

The leading five European nations have already won places in the first three divisions: World Cup qualifiers Ireland, The Netherlands and Scotland in Division 1 (which will take place in Kenya in January-February next year), Denmark in Division 2 (planned for Namibia in November 2007), and Italy in Division 3 (planned to take place in the USA in summer 2007).

But with an eight-team Division 5 tournament now planned for the first half of 2008, five places in which are assigned to the next ranked country in each region, Norway are guaranteed a slot, along with Afghanistan, Argentina, Botswana and the Cook Islands.

The three remaining places will be allocated by the ICC Development Committee when it meets in December, and those allocations will be based on the rankings of the next group of countries. This means that Jersey, runners-up to Norway in this year’s European Second Division tournament, and possibly even Germany, who finished third, will be competing with The Bahamas, Panama, Nepal, Singapore, Mozambique, Zambia and Japan for those last three positions.

Read the full story at cricketeurope.net

Bermuda won the World Cricket League Americas Division 1 Championship for the first time. Canada has two previous wins and the USA won once. Bermuda took the title thank's to Canada's ten-wicket win over the USA last Saturday. The Cayman Islands beat Argentina on Saturday and this ensured they qualify for the Global Division 3 section of the World Cricket League in 2007.

Bermuda and Canada had already qualified for the Global World Cricket League (WCL) Division 1 as a result of their rankings in the 2005 ICC Trophy in Ireland. WCL Division 1 is in Kenya in January 2007. The USA will be in WCL Global Division 3.

Bermuda ended the Americas championship with three wins and one no-result for a total of 14 points. USA were second (two wins, one loss, one no result for 10 points). Canada came third edging out Cayman Islands on net run-rate (difference betwen rate of a team scoring runs when batting, and conceding runs when bowling). Both teams had two wins and two losses. Argentina came last with five losses.

The player of the tournament was US captain Steve Massiah, who also won the batting award for his 283 runs in 4 matches. Ronald Ebanks (Cayman) took the bowling award for 10 wickets. Bermuda took the fielding prizes with Stephen Outerbridge (fielder) and Kwame Tucker (wicketkeeper) getting the honours. Regular Bermuda wicketkeeper Dean Minors had to return home due to an illness in the family.

The United States cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Argentina on the third day of the Americas Championship at Maple Leaf CC in Toronto, Canada, and in doing so set up a potential championship decider with Bermuda on Friday.

Sent in to bat, Argentina started disastrously, losing their first two wickets in the very first over to paceman Imran Awan. It was a continued uphill struggle from then for the Argentine batsmen against a sharp USA attack, and it was only thanks to a gritty 6th wicket partnership of 59 between Donny Forrester and Alejandro Ferguson that steered Argentina towards respectability.

Forrester eventually ended with 43, from 75 balls, with five fours, while Ferguson scored a well-deserved half-century, making 57 from 83 balls with five fours and a six. Argentina's innings closed on 182 in the 49th over.

For the USA pacemen Iwan, with 3 for 51, and Khawaja Shuja, with 2 for 22, did the initial damage, while spinner Lennox Cush bowled well to end with 2 for 30.

Although a respectable target set by Argentina, it was never going to be enough against a powerful USA top-order, despite a spirited opening burst from the Argentine seamers.
With the USA at 64 for 3, and first-day centurion Sushil Nadkarni back in the pavilion, there was a sniff of another giant-killing act in the tournament.

But captain Steve Massiah and Lennox Cush had other ideas, and their 120 run undefeated 4th wicket partnership saw the USA home with 22 overs to spare. Massiah continued his fine form with the bat, scoring an undefeated 54 off 59 balls, with 7 fours, while Cush, later named man of the match, scored a blistering 73 not out off only 42 balls, with 8 fours and 5 sixes.

Seamers Gary Savage, 1 for 37 in 8 overs, and Steven Nino, 1 for 34 in 8 overs, bowled well to test the USA top order, but Argentina ultimately did not score anywhere near enough in their innings.

The USA now face unbeaten Bermuda on Friday in a key clash. A Bermudan victory will clinch the title for them for the first time in their history, while a USA victory will keep the championship chase alive into the final day on Saturday.

	Bermuda's Lionel Cann slams one of his five sixes during his undefeated 139 © Eddie Norfolk

Cayman Islands pulled off a shock seven-wicket victory over Canada at Maple Leaf Cricket Club in the World Cricket League Americas Division 1 Championship (click here for scorecard), while Bermuda beat Argentina by 109 runs

Canada were bowled out for 187 runs. The main feature of the innings was a stand of 93 for the ninth wicket between George Codrington and Steve Welsh.

Canada reached 25 before Sundeep Jyoti was out. Wickets then tumbled and half the side was out before 50 runs were on the board.

One of the Cayman Islands camp had been overheard during the morning session saying he hoped Canada would be restricted to 120 runs or less. However, Steve Gordon and Perason Best lead the way to victory.

Canada’s coach Andy Pick said that " the selectors had stressed at the start of the week that winning the Americas tournament was a secondary consideration and that they wanted to look at certain players."

There were plenty of runs in the other Americas match played at Maple Leaf CC on Tuesday. Bermuda beat Argentina by 109 runs. Bermuda scored 371 runs for the loss of three wickets. The major feature was an unbroken stand of 202 runs for the fourth wicket between Kwame Tucker, who scored 100 not out, and Lionel Cann, who scored 139 nor out. Cann has showed his hitting power in matches against Canada this season, but really flowered in the final over against Argentina. He hit five sixes and a two, making 32 runs off that over.

Janeiro Tucker made 79 in a stand of 128 runs for the second wicket with Kwame Tucker. Kwame Tucker hit 10x4 and 1x6. Cann scored his runs off 88 balls.

Argentina had a spirited reply of 262 runs for 5 in their 50 overs. Opening batsman Lucas Pateruni was their top scorer with 70.

Eddie Norfolk

MCC and the ICC have each donated $2500 to Argentinia Cricket who will use the proceeds to develop a turf pitch at St George's College. Read the full story at Cricinfo.

Rod kindly wrote in to remind us (and you) of MCC's tour of Argentina which gets underway soon. Here's the info:

January 28th, One-dayer v North XI at Virrey del Pino
January 29th, One-dayer v South XI at Corimayo
January 31st, One-dayer v ACA President's XI at Hurlingham
February 2nd, One-dayer v Argentina at Hurlingham
February 4th, One-dayer v Argentina at Corimayo
February 5th, One-dayer v Argentina at Virrey del Pino

All games will start at 11.00, and the MCC team will stay at the "Hotel Emperador". This is the 1st time the MCC have toured Argentina since 2001.

In addition, the Argentinean season will resume on January 28th, with a MaxChallenge game between the Lomas Eagles and the St. Alban's Sharks at Longchamps, while the Belgrano Cavalliers will play the Hurlingham Hawks at Virrey del Pino on January 29th.

Incidentally, Argentina beat MCC in their inaugral first-class match, way back in 1912. If you have any information, snippets - or just want to get in touch, don't hesitate to email me and Martin. We've also enabled comments on the blog for you to leave your thoughts.