Runners-Up in Menorca: Madrid U18s Shine at Spanish Championship

Spanish U18 Championship 2026 | 28–30 August | Menorca Cricket Club, Biniparrell

Three days, five matches, and a silver medal. Madrid Cricket Club's Under-18 squad travelled to Menorca for the Spanish U18 Championship 2026 — a round-robin group stage across Friday and Saturday, followed by an eliminator and final on Sunday. Competing against Balearic Blaze and Catalunya sub 18, Madrid produced a string of committed, skilful performances that carried them all the way to the final.

Day 1 — Friday 28 August

Madrid opened the tournament against local hosts Balearic Blaze and set the tone early. The first match of the championship, starting at 10:30, ended in a convincing victory for Madrid — a positive start that settled nerves and established the team's character from the outset. The second game of the day, against Catalunya sub 18 at 13:30, proved a tougher challenge. Catalunya, the other major force in Spanish junior cricket, took that match, leaving the group standings level going into Day 2.

Day 2 — Saturday 29 August

Day 2 brought another two matches for Madrid — rematches against both opponents. Against Balearic Blaze in the morning, Madrid again came out on top, demonstrating consistency and a clear tactical edge over the Balearic side. The afternoon clash against Catalunya was closer, but Catalunya once again edged it in a tight contest. Going into Sunday, the group stage was complete: Madrid and Catalunya had both beaten Balearic Blaze twice. The two sides were evenly matched heading into the knockout rounds.

Day 3 — Sunday 30 August: Eliminator & Final

Sunday's format meant an Eliminator (2nd vs 3rd) at 10:00, followed by the Final (1st vs Winner of Eliminator) at 13:30. Madrid faced Balearic Blaze in the Eliminator — and won emphatically, booking their place in the Final. The first ever Spanish U18 Championship Final pitched Madrid against Catalunya — and what a match it delivered.

The Madrid innings was a team effort under pressure. With the squad battling nerves and the weight of a final, they posted 127/6 — respectable but always likely to need all 20 overs of bowling to defend. Catalunya, who had shown ruthless efficiency throughout the tournament, chased the target with three overs to spare, winning by five wickets.

A Weekend to Be Proud Of

Losing a final is always difficult — but reaching one, against strong competition, in a three-day tournament, is a genuine achievement. Madrid's U18 squad won three of their five matches, beat Balearic Blaze twice in the group stage and again in the Eliminator, and competed hard against Catalunya throughout. The silver medal represents the club's best result in Spanish junior cricket.

The tournament was hosted superbly by Menorca Cricket Club at their ground in Biniparrell, with Cricket España as the principal sponsor. The organisation, groundwork, and spirit of the event were outstanding — we look forward to returning next year.