2016 World Vintage
Cricket Festival
Six teams from four countries gathered in Buenos Aires
– Essex’s Alan Barker reports.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina 23–30th January
2016, six teams from four countries (New
Zealand, Australia, United States and Argentina)
gathered in Buenos Aires for the 2016 World
Vintage Cricket Festival. The six teams (mostly
over 50s) included past international and district
players, club players from many nations
(including two from the UK) and current
representatives of the Argentine national team.
The organisers, VSL, based in New Zealand, had
originally hoped for 16 teams, but sadly only six
were able to make it for what turned out to be a
hugely enjoyable week of cricket played in
excellent spirit and sportsmanship.
As the sole umpiring representative of the ECB
ACO fraternity in the UK, I officiated in four
games – one on each of the grounds made
available in the Buenos Aires area. It was a
special pleasure to stand at The Hurlingham
Club (one of Argentina’s national sport
complexes, home of polo, tennis, golf and
cricket), and at The Belgrano Club (hosting
ground of international cricket and rugby
matches), where I umpired the most dramatic
game of the week. That was won by the
Argentina North XI Los Guanacos against the
international Fingletoads side. Chasing 124 off
30 overs and reduced to 81–9, the Argentine last
wicket pair put on an astonishing partnership of
44 to win by one wicket.
During the week, players and wives were treated
to informative, enjoyable and entertaining visits
around the Buenos Aires district, including a city
tour, a day out on a ranch (complete with
gauchos, tango and folk music), a tango dinner
evening and a tour/cruise of the intricate
waterways of the Tigre Delta. Most of the
international visitors (including myself and my
wife) also confirmed that Argentina produces
the best steaks in the world and some of the
best red wine (the rich, fruity, spicy Malbec). At
the final dinner we were entertained by the
legendary charango maestro, Rodolfo Ruiz, and
his band, who have performed all over the world
with some of the most famous musicians of our
time, and even played for Pope Francis at The
Vatican.
This was altogether a magnificent week of
cricket, friendship and culture. The visiting
teams donated kit and equipment to the
Argentine Cricket Association to support the
development of cricket in the country. It was a
pity that no UK teams took part, and that only
one UK umpire officiated. That I was that said
umpire makes me feel really proud and grateful
for the opportunity to have represented ACO,
and the UK, in this international festival.
Alan Barker
Essex ECB ACO Umpire
16
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