HBS and VOC defend Dutch honour during Bet2ball European Cricket League

From 28 February, VOC will take on Frankfurt, Malta, Osted Exiles, Alby Zalmi and Calpe Giants. The play-offs, finals and elimination rounds will follow on 3 March.

The proverbial changing of the guard will take place on 7 March. On that day, HBS will play against the Farmers, followed by GEK Corfu several hours later. The next day, Malo and Pak I Care are on the program, and on March 9 Punjab Lions. On March 10, the playoffs, finals and elimination rounds will take place for HBS.

Both teams will play five group games plus a number of matches to advance in the tournament. In case of good performance, the so-called 'Championship Week' awaits, which starts on 14 March 2022.

The goal of the ECL organization is to organise a truly pan-European T10 championship. With cricket clubs from countries such as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Spain, it has succeeded in this set-up.

In 2019, VOC impressed by winning the tournament with force majeure. In the final, the Rotterdammers took on SG Findorff from Bremen. Scott Edwards stole the show with a world record: 137 not out in 39 balls with eighteen sixes.

Pierce Fletcher, VOC-captain: “Our aim is to win the group and proceed. Obviously, we are missing a number of important players including Max O’Dowd, Scott Edwards and Pieter Seelaar who will be representing the Netherlands in New Zealand. In addition, we’ll miss Bobby Hanif and Corey Rutgers for various reasons. But at the same time that will create an opportunity to bring in youth and second-team players. For instance, we have three 18-year-olds in our squad and even a 15-year-old, Roman Harhangi.”

“I have some valuable experience in 10 over cricket which I hope to pass on to those who don’t.”

“For our competitors HBS, it’s great that they also get a chance to go, having missed out earlier due to covid. They too have a good chance to win their group with players like Walburgh, Visee and de Mey. Hopefully, two Dutch teams will meet in the final!”

Reinout van Ierschot, VOC-chairman: "V.O.C. is extremely excited to participate in the second edition of the ECL and defend its title as the Kings of Europe. The European Cricket Network has done a magnificent job over the last few years to promote cricket and expand opportunities for cricketers from many European countries. The Bloodhounds from Rotterdam are bringing a talented team ready to show their skills at the Champions League of Cricket. We look forward to playing the shortest format of the game at the great venue of Cartama Oval while making new memories and friendships."

Ferdi Vink, HBS-captain: ”The ECL offers a nice platform in which associate cricket is connected. It is good to see that different European countries are represented and of course also nice to play against these countries. It is an extra opportunity for us to play cricket and become familiar with this new format.”

“We have been able to keep our selection intact compared to last season. Some reinforcements may not yet be present due to domestic obligations. The tournament comes a little too early for them. I am pleased that Tayo has made himself available to travel to the Netherlands earlier and participate in the tournament. Unfortunately, we have to miss Ryan Klein (travelling with the National team to New Zealand). We could have used his experience with the ECL, where he played for the Netherlands A and his qualities. Tobias Visee will be a major asset for us, who has already proven to be destructive in the shorter format. I look forward to seeing him play his own game and I also think the tournament should be happy that such an attractive player with his qualities is taking part in the tournament."

Ewout Boendermaker, HBS-chairman: ”Great that the ECL is being played this year. It was quite a work to have a team ready in March. We have been preparing for over a month now. From the team that enforced qualification on the T20 final day in 2021, we miss Sander Geenevasen (moved from HBS), Wesley Barresi (unavailable due to work) and Ryan Klein (Dutch national duty). Their places are have been filled by players from their own academy, so the youth will get a chance in Spain. We certainly hope to make it at the top of the group and to qualify for the final week. Of course, anything can happen in the final week."

All matches will be live-streamed via https://www.ecn.cricket/european-cricket-league/scores-fixtures.