Colombia: Bullfights and cricket at 2500 metres

Cricket in Bogota continued its mini-resurgence with another match between a Teachers XI from the Anglo Colombian School and a side representing the Bogota Sports Club.

Four of the players are members of the Bogota Sports Club and the rest are from different companies.

The match had been postponed for two weeks due to the fact that most of the expats living in Bogota had never seen a bullfight. They did not want to miss the opportunity to see the great Spanish ¨toreros¨, the famous ¨Juli¨ and ¨Ponce¨ that were performing in Bogota the day the match was scheduled.

The weather every time we have played has been incredible, not a cloud in the sky and temperatures around 20 degrees C. - perfect.

The Club side batted first and scored 137 runs in the 30 overs alloted. Andrew Wright, an executive from Lloyds Bank, was highest scorer with 41, including two towering sixes, followed by Yours Truly with 40 runs. Both had to retire at 40 - ground rules!

The Teachers XI managed to score 77 runs in 29 overs before they were all out. Noah Beaumont was the highest scorer with 29 runs, while the ´other´ Andrew Wright was knocked out cold when hit by a throw on the head. The students, next day were saddened to hear he was okay!

The pitch, which is concrete, was widened after the first match and played very well. It was a batsman´s wicket. Due to the nature of the rug placed on top of the concrete does not take spin. And with the air so thin at 2500 metres altitude, the bowler is obligated to bowl to keep runs down, not get wickets.

The outfield, which is big in area, (nearest boundary is 60 metres) makes for lots of runs, despite the heavy grass.

Another match is planned for April 22. In addition, confirmation was received from Panama this week of the visit from the Panamanian Indians for matches on May 4 & 5.