da gbg bet： In terms of ratio, the civilian population and hence the cricketers of theFalkland Islands are amongst the most protected in the world
Tony Munro04-Jul-2007In terms of ratio, the civilian population and hence the cricketers of theFalkland Islands are amongst the most protected in the world.Just 35 miles from the British overseas territory’s capital, Stanley, around2000 members of the British Armed Forces at Mount Pleasant Military Basestand ready in case Argentina seeks a 20 year anniversary reinactment of itsinvasion of the South Atlantic outcrop, protecting a population of 2,800.The ‘Civvies’ demonstrate their gratitude by usually losing the biggestevent in Falkland Islands cricket, the annual South Seas Ashes match betweenthe Governor’s XII and the Combined British Forces XIIThe 2002 version took place last month under the keen observation ofterritorial Governor, Mr. Donald Lamont and a smattering of players’ friends& relatives.The Mount Pleasant Oval Cricket Ground, with matting laid over a cementpitch, is situated at the Army base of the same name. It is arguably theworld’s second most southerly cricket venue, after Chile’s Punta Arenas(although it may rank third if rumours of an annual match at the Mawson Basein Antartica are true).The 2002 South Seas Ashes match got underway with CBF XII captain, FlightLieutenant, Dave Howey winning the toss and electing to bowl.The ‘Civvies’ found the military discipline of British Forces opening attackof Phillips and Farr overwhelming, the pair bowling very tightly to have theGovernor’s XI reeling at 25-4 after the first 10 overs.It was left to Welsh born power station worker and alleged wildlifeexpert/conservationist, Mike Bingham, to stop the procession of wickets andthanks to him the Governor’s XI avoided lowering their previous lowest totalof 63 to finish 77 all out in 26 overs.Bingham’s 35 was the second highest individual score in the 10 year historyof the South Seas Ashes. He received support from Mike Barton with 11.The Civilian pace attack then embarked on a first innings total defencewhich initally resembled Western Australia’s famous Gillette Cup semi-finalwin in 1976 protecting just 76.Barrister, Richard Marlor, aided by Barton, Steve Tyldsley, and Bradfieldreduced the British Forces to 22-5 in 12 overs. Marlor was to finish withthe figures of 5-1-5-3.Alas, there was to be no Dennis Lillee-like performance to finish the jobfor the Governor’s XII at Mt. Pleasant last month and the British Forcesproceeded to the target without losing another wicket in the 21st over.Health (31) and Green (11) led the recovery for the British Forces.Most personnel of the British Forces are stationed in the Falklands for afour month tour of duty, so like many non-Test countries and territories,the game’s true health is reflected in the performance of the permanentresidents.The progressive Falkland Islands Cricket Association (FICA), keenly aware ofthat, has linked up with the International Cricket Council’s DevelopmentProgramme, and is hoping an ICC representative can visit next year.FICA officials are planning a tour to Puntas Arenas on the turbulent Straitsof Magellan and are seeking a fortnight long visit from a First Class coachnext southern summer to complement their development work with juniors.