Cricket stars of the past and present hailed La Manga Club’s facilities as a sports and leisure venue as they attended a charity Twenty20 competition at the five-star resort.
Legendary Indian wicketkeeper and batsman Farokh Engineer; England and Sussex player Luke Wright; Surrey CCC captain Rory Hamilton-Brown; former England off-spinner Gareth Batty; Tom Maynard of the England Lions and Surrey; and former England ladies’ captain Rachael Heyhoe-Flint were among the big-name cricketers spectating while Simon Weston OBE and Sarah Botham, daughter of England legend Ian, were also in attendance.
The famous faces watched on as La Manga CC made good use of home advantage to emerge victorious in the 10-team tournament, winning the final against United Asians CC, a side made up of players from across the UK.
Engineer and Heyhoe-Flint took some time out from their trip to coach junior players at the resort, while the event’s friendly atmosphere ensured competitors had plenty of time to rub shoulders with the current and ex-professionals at the gala dinner and other social events.
Engineer said: “La Manga Club has made huge and rapid strides since I was last there a couple of years ago; it is easily now the main centre for cricket. But, I also believe the resort, with all its natural beauty and wonderful facilities, should be the number one place for everyone in Spain.
“La Manga Cricket Club continues to do a great job, especially with the youngsters who certainly enjoyed our presence and showed so much keenness to learn and better themselves in every way.”
Cricket teams keen to take part in La Manga Club’s next charity competition don’t have to wait long, with places still available in the resort’s annual winter tournament from November 10-13.
Former England captain Mike Gatting leads a host of cricket celebrities scheduled to attend and packages to compete in the three-day tournament are available from just €206 per person.
As well as the cricket tournament, guests will receive three nights in the fully serviced Las Lomas Village; a welcome cocktail reception; and buffet dinner with live music on the final night.
An equivalent package for non-players is available from as little as €171 per person and all guests will receive complimentary access to Spa La Manga Club’s 25-metre indoor swimming pool, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre.
The outstanding cricket facilities are just part of the overall attraction of Europe’s number one sport and leisure resort. Three championship golf courses, a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa complex are just some of the facilities on offer in addition to more than 20 restaurants and bars and a five-star hotel.
Look out for All Out Cricket’s La Manga T20 diary in Issue 86. For more information on packages for cricket teams at La Manga Club visit www.cricket.lamangaclub.com, call 00 34 968 33 1234, or email delphine.gauthier@lamangaclub.com
