THERE is a man relatively unknown to the island public but was instrumental in Guernsey’s success in the ICC World Cricket League this year.

Step forward Andy Cornford, or ‘Pasty’ as he is more commonly known as.

Cornford (pictured) is the head coach of the senior Guernsey side as part of the deal which has the Sarnians as a offshoot of the county.

Under his guidance, Guernsey came second in WCL Division Seven when it was held on the island in May which saw them gain promotion to August’s Division Six competition in Singapore where they consolidated their place in the division by coming third.

The Greens also beat Jersey in the inter-insular for the first time in three years.

‘It’s been a great year, it’s been a pressure year,’ said Cornford who celebrated his 39th birthday on Thursday.

Cornford was born in Crowborough, East Sussex and he took up the sport at the age of 11 after watching his father play for Crowborough Cricket Club.

After being spotted by Sussex, he quickly rose through the age groups and went on to their YTS scheme as an 18-year-old.

The following year in 1989 he was given a contract.

Primarily a batsman, before becoming a bowling all-rounder later in life, he found chances to break into the first team hard to come by.

He was in line to play against Hampshire in 1990 but an injury sustained while playing for the second XI against the British Fire Service put an end to that.

In 1992 he turned his back on cricket to, ironically, become a fireman.