Cultural Exchange at Vale Cricket Club
On the evening of Thursday 24th July, a friendly and thoroughly enjoyable cricket match took place between Sacyr and mechanical pipework contractor FP Hurley, as part of ongoing team-building efforts on the new Velindre Cancer Centre project.
In the lead-up to the match, a site-wide recruitment drive was held within the Sacyr project team, generating an enthusiastic response. A diverse group of players and supporters stepped forward—many with little or no prior experience of cricket—demonstrating a remarkable team spirit and willingness to step outside their comfort zones.
The match was hosted at Vale Cricket Club, Corntown, with FP Hurley kindly arranging access to the facilities. Their hospitality and sportsmanship were exemplary, offering guidance, equipment, and encouragement to less experienced players throughout the evening.
Sacyr won the toss and chose to bat first. The team showed great effort and resilience, finishing with 30 runs in the first innings. Impressively, no Sacyr players were dismissed, with standout performances from Chantelle and Celia, who both retired not out following a solid partnership at the crease.
The bowling side of the game, unfamiliar territory for many in the team, was approached with enthusiasm. Carlos Viloca, in his first-ever attempt at bowling, took two wickets with his opening deliveries. Waqas impressed with a series of strong medium-fast deliveries, while Hugo showcased a natural flair with the ball, also taking key wickets.
Carlos Lossada stood out for his sharp fielding, pulling off a clean catch and quickly adapting to the pace of play. Pablo Borrego provided a constant source of motivation and positivity on the field, lifting team morale with his energy and encouragement.
A special mention goes to Waqas, who was named MVP of the match for his outstanding all-round performance. His skills with both bat and ball drew praise from the Vale Cricket Club coach, who even expressed interest in signing him on the spot.
More than just a game, the evening celebrated team spirit and cultural exchange. Players from a wide range of backgrounds—including Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Pakistan, and the Philippines—came together to share in a fun, inclusive experience outside of the construction site.
Jason Davies, Sacyr Team Captain, reflected: “Seeing so many of our team embrace the experience with such enthusiasm was genuinely uplifting.”
A huge thank you goes to all who took part or supported the event. It was a memorable evening that strengthened team bonds and the project’s shared, one-team culture, setting the tone for more cross-cultural, community-focused activities in the months ahead.
