Zagreb beat Vis to win Vis International Sixes

Sokol from Zagreb have taken out the inaugural Vis International Sixes cricket tournament held at Plisko Polje on the island of Vis over the weekend.

Six teams entered the tournament hosted and organised by the Sir William Hoste Cricket Club. Two sides from the UK, St Radegund (Cambridge) and Special Deliveries (Essex) battled it out with local sides The Hoste's (Vis), Mali Zeleni (Vis), Sir Oliver CC (Split) and Sokol from Zagreb.

Brilliant sunshine and a lush green outfield greeted the teams on the opening day as the sponsors refreshments got a working over just as much as the ball throughout the tournament.

The were many memorable moments. The local derby between The Hoste's Vis and Sir Oliver from Split proved to be the match of the tournament. With both sides needing a win to advance through to the final, the game seesawed either way throughout.

Needing 9 runs to tie from the final 3 balls of the match, Split batsmen Mate Marovic hit two fours in succession to leave him needing only 1 run for the tie off the final ball. Vis bowler Craig Wear spoilt the party for the Split side when he cleaned bowled Marovic, giving Vis a 1-run victory off the last ball and sending them into the final against Sokol.

The curtain raiser before the final gave the big local crowd a chance to see player of the tournament Zeljko Kuljis in action. Kuljis was part of Mali Zeleni, a team comprising of young Vis teenagers. Kuljis scored over 100 runs during the tournament and together with bowler Damir Svilicic, the youngsters produced some of the performances of the weekend.

Vis could not however repeat their semi-final heroics in the final as Sokol amassed 109 from their 8 overs after being sent into bat. Daniel George got Sokol off to a bright start with some big hits before Vivek Sharma made sure Sokol finished strong. Vis were gallant in thier chase thanks to a good start from openers Oliver Roki and Craig Wear. The match went down to the last over but crowd favourites Vis came up just short meaning Zagreb lifted the brilliantly hand made trophy.

The tournament was a huge success due to the first class organisation from the Vis crew. Craig, Xania, Oliver and all the rest involved made it a fantastic three days of cricket and hospitality.

All results: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Croatian-Cricket-Federation/156154767808170