Argentina: National team gears up for ICC Trophy against MCC

The recent MCC tour of Argentina proved to be a great measure of where the players in the national squad are right now, and what they need to work towards and aspire to in order to achieve their goals in Canada later this year.

Although the MCC won both "internationals" against Argentina by relatively comfortable margins, the performances of the Argentine team, along with those of other teams who faced the visitors, was encouraging.

With the likes of Min Patel and Alistair Fraser in the MCC ranks, altogether a very solid outfit, Argentina can expect to face no better teams in Toronto, with respect to the awaiting opposition.

Still, if Argentina are to improve on their dismal past record at this event, and finally live up to the potential which the individual players naturally possess, a lot of hard work lies ahead between now and the end of June.

Lomas won the First Division Championship last Sunday without a ball being bowled. Persistent rain in the week preceding the final round of fixtures meant that the grounds were unfit for play, and Lomas thus retained their sixteen point advantage, and were crowned champions for this season.

Rain also put paid to the 102nd North v South, played at the Lomas Athletic Club, the previous weekend. The second day was completely washed out, and the game eventually petered out into the inevitable draw at close of play on the final day.

Matias Paterlini was named man of the match for his century in the South 1st innings, and together with opening partner, Charles Gibson, also a centurion, broke the long standing record for the 1st wicket in the match with their 233 partnership on the first day.

The match contained a poignant note, as it was the last senior match ever to be played at the famous Lomas ground, after 104 years of cricket history. A synthetic hockey surface is soon to be installed, and as of next season, Lomas will play their cricket from their Longchamps facility.

The final of the Robin Stuart Shield will be contested between Hurlingham and Belgrano on Sunday 1st April, which technically marks the end of the current domestic season. In saying that, though, there will still be plenty of activity. The second team Saturday Championship final, between Hurlingham and Old Georgians, not surprisingly washed out at the first attempt, still has to be completed.

Also two touring teams are currently visiting Argentina - the Ulster Grasshoppers from Ireland, and the Old Wellingtonians from England.