The location of China's annual cricket tournament shifted this year from its
usual venue of Beijing to the hustle and bustle of China's commercial
capital of Shanghai.
The Shanghai 6's competition, played over a weekend, attracted a most
competitive field of teams, including the Korean Cricket Team, Hong Kong
Cricket Club and most notably, a strong contingent from Melbourne Cricket
Club.
The Festival started with an inaugural XI a side match between the Shanghai
Cricket Club lead by tournament organiser Stuart Taylor and Melbourne CC,
captained by MCC stalwart Mark Anderson. The game proved to set the tone for
the weekend as Melbourne both dominated with bat and ball to win this 35over contest by over 60 runs.
With the arrival of the visiting teams also came the rain, forcing the first
day of the 6's to take cover in an adjacent sports hall. Fortuitously,
provisions had been made by the organising double act of Taylor and Forman
for the adverse conditions and the first day was played to indoor rules,
with Shanghai, Melbourne and Hong Kong putting in notable performances.
It must also be noted that Beijing and Shanghai included at
least 8 home grown players, encouraging news for those interested in the
development of cricket in China.
Saturday's prayers for better weather were answered with a break in the
rain, allowing the second and final round of the tournament to be played on
the artificial wicket in front of a slightly damp but enthralled crowd.
Semi-final defeats for Shanghai and Korea set up a final between Melbourne
and Hong Kong, Melbourne winning through after a tense and exciting affair.
The event, despite the climatic problems, was a resounding success,
testimony to the organisers and sponsors who have kept faith with their
vision of cricket in China.
