Cornwall receiving the winning trophy

About a year ago, I met up with Peter Phillips - the man and brains behind the hugely popular Elvis Festival here in Benidorm (next years dates are 12th-14th April 2013).... it is his team that also put on the world famous Porthcawl Elvis fest which attracts in the region of 30,000 Elvis fans from around the world.

He spoke to me then about his dream of putting on a Celtic Counties Cricket tournament here and this weekend his vision came to fruition, with the first Annual 20-20 Celtic Cup held at the SACC - Sporting Alfaz Cricket Club in Albir.

Welsh Slate souvenir coasters

Four teams took part - 2 Celtic, coming from Cornwall and Wales and 2 local - Levante CC from Valencia and SACC the hosts. With matches and fixtures sometimes booked up years in advance, Peter did well to organize the 3 day tournament. Cornwall took the crown, beating the local Alfaz boys in the final and won the first of what will hopefully be many more future Celtic Cups to be played here in Albir. The Welsh team came fourth - the fact that half the team members enjoyed the local Benidorm hospitality into the small hours may have been a contributing factor!

Next year Peter hopes to have six Celtic teams coming: Cornwall, who will obviously want to defend their title, Wales, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and possibly Asturias or Galicia. He would also like to combine a music festival to round off the tournament... something of which he is an expert at, so sounds like a great idea and will attract non cricketers who may even take an interest in the game.

Inside of Fandango

The teams and guests then all enjoyed an after tournament dinner at the newly re-opened Fandango Bar & Restaurant, which is opposite the cricket ground. When you enter through the doors of Fandango you feel like you are stepping into a gentleman´s club... it is beautiful with wood panelling, tartan carpets, leather armchairs and open fireplaces - you would think you were back in the UK not on the Costa Blanca!

Private dining full of cricketers

The cricket dinner was held in a private dining room with a huge table running down the length of the room.... I must admit I have not seen a table quite that large before - there is also a separate restaurant for general dinners.
If you are ever looking for a private venue then I would certainly recommend popping down to take a look.
Dave Rowland, a local radio DJ was a guest speaker and entertained the guests with some amusing anecdotes before handing out the trophies and runner up awards. Man of the match went to Chris Martin, one of the Cornwall boys to much cheer - but that could have been the wine and beer kicking in at that stage.... a wonderful end to a successful weekend.
Kevin Laundon, Chairman of SACC congratulated Peter and the team on the first Celtic Cup tournament and looks forward to hosting many more over the coming years.