Greece’s hopes of promotion to the top tier of ICC European cricket were thwarted last month as Hellas were defeated by Spain and Belgium in Group B of the ICC’s Division 2 tournament which took place in Belgium. The campaign started promisingly for Hellas, who defeated Malta by 30 runs in Mechelen in the first match of the competition.

The weather was the winner in Hellas’ second clash with Sweden; Greece reached 53 for 3 before a torrential downpour left the umpires with no option but to abandon the game. On Wednesday Hellas had to contend with the fancied favourites of Group B, Spain and host Belgium. Despite Greece setting a testing target of 150 in their 20 overs, with Anastasios Manousis cracking 37 from 32 balls, and Sydneysider Andrew Koutsoufis hitting 34, the hosts Belgium eventually overhauled Hellas for the loss of 3 wickets.

Against Spain, a slow start from Hellas meant they were always on the back foot, and it took a late surge from Georgios Stogiannos to take their total up to 142 for 6; the belligerent right hander scored 45 from just 21 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes). The early wickets of Mehmood Ahmed and Anastasios Manousis, both without scoring, meant Hellas required a period of consolidation. That was provided by Aussies Andrew Koutsoufis (26) and captain Steve Nikitaris (29) with help from Oliver Hutton (25). Spain’s win by 7 wickets was secured with 15 balls remaining.

Hellas’ last game in their pool group was an arm-wrestle with Austria, which ended tied with both teams on 116. With 7 needed off the last over, Hellas came agonizingly close, with Spiros Goustis run out coming back for the 3rd run which would have won the game. The ICC European Division 2 Championship consisted of Belgium, Austria, Cyprus, Finland, Hellas, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain and Sweden playing each other in two Twenty20 round-robin leagues. Hellas are now consigned to remain in Division 2 at least until the 2012 tournament.