Derbyshire straight into team

NICK DERBYSHIRE is the new face in the first island squad of the season. Guernsey manager Dave Hearse acknowledged that he had had limited opportunities to see the former first-class player perform for Rovers this season but had no hesitation in including him in the 14-man group.

'It is his pedigree. There can't be much doubt that he is going to be a good player over here,' said Hearse, who had run the rule over the fast bowler in a couple of winter net sessions.

With the 11 who played in last year's victorious inter-insular side retained for this squad, the other two additions are also from Rovers.

Opening batsman and former island captain Richard Headington makes a return, as does medium-pace bowler Stuart Bisson, who missed last season because he was travelling.

'Stuart was involved with the island squad a couple of years ago and he has impressed me in the nets with his ability and his attitude,' Hearse said.

The manager revealed this was a squad for the early part of the season and was likely to incorporate the first representative match of the summer against the MCC on Thursday 3 June.

That is one of just three matches Guernsey will have before the inter-insular. The other two are against the Royal Navy under-25s on Friday 25 June and the Hampshire Maniacs on Monday 12 July.

'We have a B inter-insular this year and we will be looking for players outside of the squad to show what they can do for a couple of reasons.

'Firstly, with a view to the Four Islands Tournament squad, which will be picked depending on availability and form, and we are also mindful of ICC qualification.

'Some of the present island squad do not fulfil the residential qualification to play for Guernsey in ICC competitions so other guys have got a tremendous incentive to play well this year and next.'

Hearse also announced yesterday the Guernsey over-40s' squad that will be touring Scotland next month.

The Sarnians will have games against the Scotland Forty Club in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.