Sarnians out for double win

THE best of Guernsey's older and younger generation come up against their Jersey counterparts tomorrow in a taster for next week's senior inter-insular. Three players who should be taking part in the season's showcase at Grainville next Saturday will be in action at College Field today: Guernsey's Under-21s skipper Divan van den Heever, his opposite number, Peter Gough, and Andy Dewhurst.

Meanwhile, at Grainville in Jersey, Gary Rich and Richard Headington, both of whom will be in island manager Dave Hearse's thoughts as he considers his final XI, will be making their first appearance for the Over-40s side.

They step into the age-group along with Gary Tapp.

Jersey have two debutants - Mark Reynolds and Mark Saralis. The latter has been named in the full island side for next week's match.

Guernsey are favourites to retain the trophy.

'We have a very strong over-40s side,' said Hearse.

'And we'll be looking to make it a hat-trick of wins.'

The younger Guernsey side contains one very new face - the Optimists all-rounder Warwick Green, who has only recently arrived in Guernsey.

And spearheading the attack will be a bowler who has not delivered a ball in Guernsey yet this season, the Optimists quickie Chris van Vliet.

Under-21 manager Dave Nussbaumer believes Guernsey can avenge last season's defeat.

'We are optimistic; everyone is up for it and I feel we are much better organised than last year.

'Jersey may be the favourites on paper but if we all play to our strengths and are up for it on the day we stand a very good chance.

'Warwick is new to the island from Dorset.

He is a Zimbabwean, 18 years old, very useful in the field, a seam bowler and he can bat a bit. So we are hoping that he will come off for us.

'It is not a gamble: he will add to our middle order.

'We are looking forward to seeing Chris bowl and he will bat in the middle as well.

'And with Divan there as well we have a big-hitting middle order.

'I am confident that even if Jersey set a big total we will be able to chase it, or if we bat first we can put a few runs on the board.'