Hearse ponders final few places

TWO of last year's victorious Cherry Godfrey Challenge side will play in tomorrow's inaugural 'B' inter-insular at the King George V Field. Opening batsman Matt Oliver and fast bowler Matt Jeffery have both been named in the Guernsey side who will take on Jersey as island manager Dave Hearse looks to settle on his senior side for the main event at Grainville on Saturday 7 August.

'I have not finalised my XI. There are still things to play for and I am looking for certain contributions from up to four players,' Hearse said.

'This game will not be the only deciding factor for those final places but it does give those players involved an extra chance.'

Oliver has scored 224 runs in the Carey Olsen Championship this season at a respectable average of 32, although his two big scores in the competition - 72 and 94 - both came in May and Hearse would like to see him recapture that form.

Jeffery, who bowled well in Guernsey's last fixture against the Royal Navy under-25s, has been struggling with an injury of late and has also been given a chance to prove his fitness and form.

Richard Veillard, who 'has had a great season with the bat' in Hearse's words, will captain the Sarnians and is also still in the reckoning for the main inter-insular.

Others in the side who have full inter-insular experience are Tim Belton, Mark Jefferies and Mark Renouf, while at the other end of the scale is teenager Jamie Nussbaumer, who will be keeping wicket.

'It is a mixture between squad players and youngsters,' said Hearse.

'The game is also there to bring on youngsters and get them to play in that environment.

'It is a good opportunity for them and it is unfortunate that James Warr is not available.'

However, Warr, this season's Elizabeth College captain, has made it into the Sarnian squad for the Four Islands Tournament under the GICC banner.

He and Liam Smyth are the two most inexperienced players in terms of representative cricket, but there are no real surprises in the 15-man party considering Pierre Moody and Richard Headington are unavailable.

Hearse has also announced a very strong Guernsey over-40s side that will travel to Grainville for the inter-insular on Sunday 1 August.

It includes three newcomers to the age group in Gary Tapp, Richard Headington and Gary Rich.

n?JAMIE NUSSBAUMER stroked an unbeaten 43 down the order to ensure the Guernsey Development XI ended their Scottish tour with a win.

Chasing 159 for victory against a West of Scotland side at Clydesdale, the Sarnians were struggling to meet the required run-rate until the wicket-keeper/batsman came in at number seven and took control.

Sean Romeril also batted well for 33.