Batsman let side down

AN ABJECT batting performance from Guernsey saw them stumble to a 126-run hammering in the Under-25s inter-insular at Grainville yesterday. The Sarnians slumped to a paltry 85 all out as the batsmen, with the exception of Ben Driver, failed to take any responsibility in chasing their victory target of 212.

Jersey bowled well and fielded excellently but there was no excuse for the visitors' poor total.

However, there were positives for manager Dave Hearse to take away from Grainville. Some of the bowling was impressive, the fielders took all the chances that came their way and Jamie Chambers proved himself to be a very capable captain.

Chambers did, however, lose the toss and Peter Gough made Guernsey field in the midday heat by opting to bat.

The Jersey skipper and fellow opener James Mashiter - both of whom have senior caps - produced a solid first-wicket stand of 65.

For Guernsey, Matt Jeffery bowled tidily while Divan van den Heever produced some beauties but also the occasional gift ball, which was usually dispatched competently.

But the introduction of Steve Queripel and Andre van Rooyen swung the game the visitors' way. Both bowled superb line and length and wickets began to tumble.

Gough was first to go, giving Alex Hunter a simple catch at backward point off Queripel, and Mashiter was yorked by Van Rooyen the very next ball.

Within the next five overs, Guernsey were dominant as Nigel Crocker nicked one to wicket-keeper Matt Oliver, van den Heever's sharp work at mid-wicket had Richard Gomersall out without facing and Queripel clean bowled Andrew Dewhurst through the gate. From 65 for nought, Jersey were 72 for five.

But the Caesareans had a very strong batting line-up and Jonny Gough and Rohan Mohanty set about rebuilding the innings. They were doing a decent job of it until van Rooyen took a brilliant diving catch at point to dismiss Gough for 20.

But Ian Crocker joined Mohanty and their partnership of 56 was the turning point of the match with both doing what the Guernsey batsmen would later fail to do - take it upon themselves to score the necessary runs.

Mohanty contributed 28 before Driver ran him out as Jersey looked to increase the run-rate while Crocker finished undefeated on 36. Vital lower order runs also came from Bobby and Tom Minty as the home side finished on 211 for nine from 50 overs.

The reply was painful for the Guernsey followers present.

Oliver guided a catch to point in the first over and Owen Hughes then claimed the second of his five wickets as Nick Chambers gloved a rising ball to Mohanty - three for two.

Driver batted well for his 25 at number three but he received very little support as batsmen fell regularly to poor shots.

The final pair of Queripel and Liam Smyth managed to add 23 to make the score slightly more acceptable but this really was a thrashing.