When willow met leather in the Portuguese sun
All sorts of events have been organised to mark the centenary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Fátima in Portugal, but few can have been more unexpected than an inter-religious cricket tournament that included the Vatican’s own club, Saint Peter’s.

Cricket is almost non-existent in Portugal beyond expat circles, but a notable exception is the small town of Miranda do Corvo, in central Portugal, where Englishman Glen Evans has encouraged the local youth to get involved with the game.

“Cricket is my passion, but my aim is to thank the people and the authorities of Miranda do Corvo for their support,” he told us before the tournament. “That is why we are bringing over the Vatican team during this special year as we celebrate the centenary of the apparitions.”