THE Guernsey under-14 team fought hard to earn a 23-run victory against Jersey at the College Field.
Unfortunately, on the same weekend, the under-11 Sarnian team lost by 32 runs to their local rivals at Victoria College in Jersey.
In the under-14 match, Guernsey batted first and steadily built their way to a target of 164, thanks largely to captain Josh Kirk (pictured), who fell one run short of a deserved 50.
He was ably supported by Harry Player and Toby Belton at the top of the order, along with James Wilkes-Green and Lucas Barker, but none of them made over 20 as wickets steadily tumbled throughout the innings.
Jersey’s innings was relatively similar with captain Gallichan scoring 27 and was supported by numerous members of his team, but Guernsey bowled better than their rivals with Oli Nightingale (2 for 20) and Wilkes-Green (2 for 27) the main wicket takers, although a spell of three overs for one run by Belton helped Guernsey capture the initiative.
Belton wrapped the game up with a wicket with his first delivery of his second spell to hand Guernsey victory by a narrow margin.
The Guernsey under-11 team started brightly, having been put in the field by Jersey on a hot afternoon.
Guernsey’s opening bowlers Anthony Stokes and Will Fazakerley started well, reducing Jersey to 14 for two in the fourth over, with Stokes removing danger man Jonty Jenner for just five.
However, Jersey rebuilt through Donaldson (60) and Duckett (38), who pushed the run rate up to four an over.
With eight overs remaining, Guernsey failed to take any more wickets and Jersey racked up 179 for four in their 40 overs.
Guernsey started poorly in reply and were three down inside the first 10 overs.
Captain Tom Nightingale (55) and Stokes (17) brought Guernsey back into the game.
After losing two quick wickets, Elliot Wilson (21) supported Nightingale but the run rate crept too high and Guernsey failed to chase Jersey’s target, amassing 147 for eight at the end of the innings.
Guernsey development manager Jason Shambrook had a mixed opinion of the day.
‘Guernsey fought hard to win the under-14 match, despite the game slipping away from them at a few points. However, they showed determination and came through as worthy winners,’ he said.
‘The under-11s worked hard in their match, but basic errors let them down in the end.’
Guernsey development coach Jonny Orme echoed those words.
‘The under-11s lost because of our catching. We need to be able to take our chances, otherwise we will struggle to bowl teams out and win matches,’ he said.
‘However, our batting is getting better and other players have stepped up to the plate and scored runs.’
Guernsey now find themselves 4-2 down against Jersey this season with the under-17s, under-19s, seniors and the over-40s yet to play.
Article posted on 11th July, 2009 - 2.29pm
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