Uncapped quartet in island XII

GUERNSEY will have at least three debutants in next week's inter-insular. Island manager Dave Hearse has announced a squad of 12 for the clash with Jersey that includes the uncapped Matt Oliver, Matt Jeffery, Tim Duke and Andre van Rooyen.

'We have elected to pick 12 players at this stage with three things in mind,' said Hearse.

'Tim Duke's recent injuries - he needs to be fit. Also, his partner is due to give birth in the first week of August so there is a chance he could get called away.

'We also want to be sure on our bowling attack's balance.'

Duke has impressed everybody in his first season of Guernsey cricket and the manager said that it was unfortunate that he had had two injuries in quick succession.

But the management team wants him in the side for his classy batting and the extra bowling option he gives.

He and Oliver - scorer of three centuries this season, including one on the island tour - were the two obvious selections for a first cap.

However, at this stage, the Cobo opener seems to be the only newcomer of the four who is certain to play.

Jeffery has been involved with the island squad for a couple of years now and has been bowling better recently, especially on grass wickets.

He gets the nod ahead of Rovers club-mate Mark Renouf, of whom Hearse said: 'In our opinion, he has not done enough this year.'

Van Rooyen's inclusion may be the one that raises the most eyebrows but the young Optimists all-rounder has proved himself to be more than useful with both ball and bat as well as being an outstanding fielder.

'We have stressed throughout the season that current form would be the most important issue when it came to selection,' said Andy Biggins, island captain.

'Andre's inclusion in the 12 suggests that, at present, he is one of the best seam bowlers in the island. We are quite aware, also, that he is undoubtedly the best fielder in the squad, too.'

Although only six of last year's winning side remain, Guernsey have got stronger in the past 12 months and the majority of the team are hitting form at the right time.

Pierre Moody and Justin Ferbrache deserve their inter-insular recalls for fine seasons while the rest are simply obvious choices.

'In the past month, eight or nine of them would have picked themselves in anyone's XI,' said Hearse.

'It is a very strong side. We have a lot of good fielders and fine batsmen.

'Out of all the departments, the bowling is the weakest although there is a lot of talent there.

'The problem is that they have not bowled consistently well throughout the season, but I am confident that they will get it right next week and we do have several different options to turn to.'

Guernsey squad:

Andy Biggins (captain) (bat) Optimists

Matt Oliver (bat) Cobo

Glenn Milnes (bat/bowl) St Pierre

Ami Banerjee (bat/bowl) Optimists

Jeremy Frith (bat/bowl) Cobo

Stuart Le Prevost (bat) Cobo

Tim Duke (bat/bowl) Pessimists

Gary Rich (bat/bowl) Cobo

Pierre Moody (bowl/bat) Pessimists

Matt Jeffery (bowl/bat) Rovers

Andre van Rooyen (bowl/bat) Optimists

Justin Ferbrache (wk/bat) Cobo