Twenty over evening competitions prove popular in Gibraltar
Tony Munro - 21 May 1999

Cricket has been played on the Rock of Gibraltar since the late eighteenth century. Originally brought here by British forces it soon took hold amongst the indigenous population. The Gibraltar Cricket Association was formed in 1960 and Gibraltar achieved Associate Member status of the ICC in 1969. Gibraltar participated in the ICC World Cup Trophy competitions of 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1997, as well as in the two European championships held so far.

Locally, the season stretches from May to early October. There are three league competitions plus a cup knockout tournament. The fifty overs format has been the practice for some seasons now, but in 1999 changes have been introduced. The Wiggins Shield (presented by Mr. Maurice Wiggins of Solihull who became a great friend of the Association when the ICC World Cup Trophy competition was held in the Midlands of England in 1982) will this year revert to a thirty-over format in an effort to encourage more cricketers to play at week-ends, whilst the Senior League will be played on a forty overs basis. The Murto Cup (presented by a local merchant of that name in the early 1920's) will be played on a fifty overs basis.

The mid-week evening twenty-over competitions have become very popular in recent years and are competed for by twelve clubs divided into 'A' and 'B' groups.

Of the senior clubs, the Gibraltar Cricket Club is the oldest, having been established in 1858. After many "post-Association" years without any trophies to show for their efforts, the past three seasons have been very productive with successive league championships and cup successes.

Grammarians CC were originally 'the Old Boys' of the Gibraltar Grammar School and started life in the 1950's. With the advent of comprehensive education there are few 'Old Boys' still playing but the tradition remains. The Club have not won a trophy since they lifted the Murto Cup in 1984.

UKCCC (UK Civilians Cricket Club) originated in the 1970's from the old Dockyard Sports Asociation. As the name implies the Club was originally made up of civilian expatriates, but today includes many locals as well.

Calpe CC was formed two years ago as the nursery for up and coming young cricketers, of whom there are now many on the Rock.

Mijas CC from the Costa del Sol (Spain) also participate in the domestic competitions by invitation.

In recent years the Gibraltar Cricket Association has been investing money in a Development Programme, and two years ago a Cricket Development Officer was appointed full time. The first incumbent of this post, Staff Coach David Gelling, left at the end of last season and the Association is now looking for a suitable replacement.