GICC dominate over two days

AN IMPRESSIVE all-round display gave the Guernsey Island Cricket Club a convincing nine-wicket victory over their Jersey counterparts in the annual two-day fixture completed yesterday. The visitors made the most of a substantial overnight lead of 86 by dismissing the JICC for just 114 in their second innings to leave the Sarnians requiring just 29 runs to win.

They managed it for the loss of just one wicket.

'It was a very good performance,' said GICC captain Stuart Le Prevost.

'We had a decent side with a good mixture of youth and experience and everyone did their bit over the two days.'

Pete Scott won the toss at Grainville on the first morning and, after electing to have first use of a good wicket, saw his side score a modest 189 for seven from their 50 overs.

Opener James Mashiter's 85 was the foundation of that total as only he had the measure of an accurate GICC attack.

Richard Gomersall (21) and Martin Amy (30) also chipped in while Jeremy Frith and Richard Hamilton claimed two wickets apiece.

The spinners turned the ball to trouble every batsman while none of the three seamers had the wickets they deserved.

Mark Renouf and Steve Queripel regularly beat the bat with some alarming movement of the new ball while Rob Turville had one chance spilled, an edge behind given not out and a slip catch off a no-ball.

The reply was positive with the visitors making 275 for eight from their allotted 50 with all of the top eight making useful contributions.

Matt Oliver's superb form continued as he top scored with 75 while Frith also made another half-century, finishing on 56.

The second day belonged exclusively to the GICC.

Renouf returned to something like his best form, taking three for 36 before Frith came on to claim four for 23.

Renouf again moved the ball away off an exemplary line and length.

There were also wickets for Queripel and Turville.

GICC fielded excellently, with Frith's catch at third slip the pick of the day.

'Mark Renouf bowled a superb opening spell. He took three wickets but should have had five,' Le Prevost said.

Requiring only 29, Nick Chambers and Hamilton brought the scores level with their opening stand before Chambers gave a return catch to Blackburn. The game ended in only the eighth over of the second innings.