In the Dutch "Hoofdklasse" 8 rounds have been played so far. Despite some bad weather lately only one match did not have a result. VRA of Amsterdam are the leaders with 12 points of 7 matches. surprised second is Hermes DSV of Schiedam with 11 from 8. Exceslsior (Schiedam) collected 10 points from 8.

That Hermes has 11 points (9 matches) (2 points for a win) means that the tied a match. That tie came in their match with VOC (231-231). The match got an exciting finish with Hermes scoring 38 for the last wicket. most exciting was the last ball of the match when the batsman played the ball back to the bowler who was only 3 meters from the wicket. He missed the stumps giving the batsman the opportunity to get the run needed for the tie! With two rounds to go before the "ICC" break the race for the title looks exciting!

Last week Holland played three matches against an ECB team for practise. They did that knowing that Bas Zuiderend (Sussex) will not play in Canada. He decided to stay in England to play for his county. In their matches with the ECU team Holland showed that they are well on the way to make a good result in Canada.

Below the "hoofdklasse" their are two leagues, both with 10 teams, and only one promotion spot to be won. The race is very tied at this moment. VVV and Bijlmer (both from the Amsterdam area) are leading in one group with the oldest Dutch cricket club Kon. UD close behind.

In the other group ACC (Amsterdam Cricket Club) is two points ahead of its rivals). Both Kon. UD (Royal UD) and ACC played many years on the highest level and tying to come back. VVV and Bijlmer (named of the Amsterdam area they are located in) have no history in "hoofdklasse". Bijlmer is a relative young club. Founded only in 1990 they made a remarkable rise in dutch cricket.

Talking about the age of a Dutch cricket club. A quick look learns us that 14 clubs in Holland were founded between 1875 and 1895 and still playing today.

As said the oldest club is KonUd in Deventer. they were founded in 1875. Till 1878 they were the only club in Holland. That year HCC (Den Haag) was founded.

Looking at the distance between the two and the time it took to travel in those old days it is very unlikely that they played each other.

Many others were founded and disappered ofer the year. But fortunately till the present year new clubs are being formed.

The youth in preparing for the "great" summer of cricket. When the youth league have finished the tournament season will start. In July/August the SGSr Lappierre youth tournament will have its final day. European Championship tournaments will be held for every age group. Holland, Scotland, Ireland and Denmark will be hosting. In Taunton a cricket festival will be held and a Dutch youth team will participate their as well. And in between Rood & Wit will host their own youth tournament. So busy times are coming up!

Hopefully the weather will become more like summer now. Rain, wind, and low temperatures (down to 12C on some Sundays) have made the cricket live not very comfortable so far. But only a few matches were cancelled due to the weather. We will keep you up to date.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd