Forfarshire bowed out of the European Cricket League in an exciting day at the
Cartama Oval on Thursday.
Day 4 of Championship Week started with T10 cricket at it’s most intense. Forfarshire recorded a spectacular victory over 2022 champions Pak I Care Badalona who had produced several stunning run chases in previous matches, so the Forfs knew a substantial total was required.
Craig Wallace responded with a stunning 28-ball century, his 28th century for the club, and along with Scott Cameron (67 not out from 24 balls) propelled the Forfs to 197 for 2 in one of the highest ever ECL partnerships having come together at 5 for 2 in the first over.
Requiring a fraction under 20 runs per over, Forfarshire were wary of Daniel Doyle Calle’s power hitting and at the halfway mark, Pak I Care Badalona were halfway to their target. Just 15 runs from the 6th over off Bryce Allchin gave Forfs a boost but Badalona fought back and required 41 from the last 2 overs.
Jamie King conceded only 16 in the 9th over, leaving Scott Cameron with 25 runs to play with in the last over, Doyle Calle sitting on 101 not out and on strike. 14 came from the first 3 balls before Cameron brilliance knocked back his leg stump. Two boundaries were then required from two balls, no run from the 5th ball saw Forfarshire as favourites but still the ground was filled with tension as Cameron just had to avoid a no ball, which he achieved by some margin and Forfarshire celebrated a first European victory.
An afternoon encounter with Jersey’s Old Victorians saw Forfarshire chasing a second victory however after a solid first half to restrict Victorians to 116 for 7, the Forfs were unable to chase down the total which ended hopes of a late rise up the Championship table.
It’s a incredible achievement to win regional, national and European qualifying stages and to go on to represent Scotland in European Championship Week.
Thank you to everyone who’s been with us for the journey, out in Spain, back home and all round the world. The players appreciate every single message of support!
We’ll be back at the spectacular Cartama Oval tonight (Friday 22nd March) to watch the pinnacle of ECL24. Tune in at 7.30pm for the final!