European Championships Report
The England Board XI, captained by Steve Foster, were winners of the 2004 European 1st Division Championships in The Netherlands between 18-24 July; Ireland were Runners-Up and finished ahead of Holland, Scotland and Denmark respectively. Ryan Watson of Scotland was voted Player of the Championships, having averaged 57.67 runs with the bat, and having taken 10 wickets at 11.40 runs apiece. The leading European Associates will now move forward and take their places in the 2005 ICC Trophy, which will be staged in Ireland during July 2005.
The ECC 2004 European Championships (2nd Division), also part of the ICC World Cup Qualifying Series, were held in Belgium between 18-24 July.
The first day commenced steadily with wins for Italy, Gibraltar and France, a highlight being Scuderi's forceful 83* for Italy. Day two saw Scuderi continue his run scoring with a majestic 112* as Italy gave France a sound lesson in the art of batting. On day three Israel, despite Shein's 6-61 could do little to prevent the power of Norway from achieving a comprehensive victory. The pace trio of Giordano with 4-7, Crosland with 3-9 and Bonora with 3-32 ensured that Germany were not to dent Italy's title ambitions.
On day four France produced an outstanding all round performance to beat Norway and Germany resoundingly defeated Gibraltar with an impressive 75 from Vohra. Italy swept Israel aside to clinch the title. On the final day France, with a sparkling 69* from Bhatti, beat the luckless Israel team, finishing as runners-up. Germany ensured third place with a supremely controlled win over Norway with a 77* from Fernando. Italy rattled up the highest score of the week (262-6) and with Gallo taking 5-17 beat Gibraltar comprehensively.
Player of the Tournament was Italian Wicket-keeper Gabriella Passaretti who took 19 catches in total, kept wicket tidily and played one crucial innings when Italy were under a little pressure. Overall an excellent week's cricket played in exceptional ?spirit" and all participating countries should feel proud of what they achieved.
