Mexico: Comfortable win for Mexico City over Los Angeles

Mexico's representatiive season kicked off mid-November with two matches against old friends, the British & Dominion Club, Los Angeles

E.J. Cartledge

11-Jan-2002

Mexico's representatiive season kicked off mid-November with two matches against old friends, the British & Dominion Club, Los Angeles. Mexico's 2nd XI was soundly beaten in the first match but the 1st XI cruised to a 56 run win the day after.

In the first match Mexico crashed to be all out for just 80 (Howard taking 4 for 31) in reply to B&D's modest of 122 for 9. Admittedly the wicket was green and lively but B&D's McGroggan (44) and Armstrong (35) handled themselves well.

The following day, however, brought hot conditions and the Mexican 1st XI made hay, racking up 200 for 4 in just 36 overs. Carr (61*) and Cartledge (49*) smote 90 runs from the last 10 overs. In reply, B&D never really got going and were dismissed for 144 (Cawdron claiming 3 for 16).

In the domestic season the ball has dominated the bat dramatically. Some rather low scores have been recorded as the club's quality of bowlers has improved. Recruiting was a definite priority during the off-season and it's pleasing to note the playing membership has grown appreciably.

Corinthians, ably led by Aussie Dean Ilott, have swept all before them with four wins. Reforma is second on the table with two wins while Aztecs have notched just the solitary victory.

Ilott has taken 8 wickets to date at an average of 9, Reforma's Max Cawdron 12 wickets at 8 and veteran Deb Choudhuri 12 wickets at 10. Only Charlie Carr (208 runs at 52) has performed with the bat thus far.

In other news:

Mexico is pressing ahead with its application for ICC-affiliate membership. One of the stumbling blocks has been to instigate formal coaching programs in Mexican schools. With such programs now under way the application should receive favorable consideration from the ICC.

Mexico has also appointed a tour co-ordinator to investigate possible new destinations for tours and to issue invitations to other clubs to visit Mexico. Currently, Mexico hosts clubs from Los Angeles, Houston and Miami and annually tours Houston and Sarasota for the 6-a-side tournament.

The club is busily planning the forthcoming Commonwealth Day fixture, slated for February 24. The day is one of Mexico's cricketing highlights and features the best of British against a World XI, comprised of the club's talent from the sub-continent and Australiasia.

Maharaj Kumar of Vizianagram's XI