Milnes to miss half the season

GLENN MILNES, so dangerous with both bat and ball, will miss at least half the season. The DHS St Pierre and Guernsey all-rounder - one of only two nine-point-rated players in the Goldridge Estate Agents Evening League Fantasy Cricket competition - has been forced to take a rest from the game while he recovers from a stress fracture to his spine.

'It's been no one thing that's done it: 10 years of playing sport 12 months a year have just taken their toll,' he said. 'It's been a bit of a battle lately so I'm going to take a rest for a while.'

His absence is a blow to St Pierre's push to retain the Barclays Evening League title they have won for the past two years, although they showed great resolve to steal a late victory against NRG Pessimists on Wednesday evening, courtesy of some inspired lower-order batting. Milnes watched that match, but would rather have been in the thick of the action.

'It's frustrating, but it's no fun being able to play at only 30 per cent. And it is taking longer to get over matches. I think it's something that affects all of us once we get past 30.'

Treatment by an osteopath should help hasten his recovery and there are still targets for the New-Zealander.

'Hopefully around mid-season I'll be able to take a look at things again. There's the island match and the four-islands tournament to consider. I'd like to be up for selection.'