Guernsey wins by D/L

RAIN looked like making a mockery of the VisitGuernsey Four Islands Tournament for a second consecutive day yesterday but Messrs Duckworth and Lewis ensured the first results of the competition. Although no one was happy with having to resort to using the wet-weather formula after neither game could be completed, Guernsey and the Isle of Man were declared winners following the necessary calculations.

There was particular and understandable discontentment from Jersey, who were playing the hosts at the KGV, as only 16 overs of the Guernsey innings had been completed when the game was abandoned whereas at the College Field, Isle of Wight had faced 25 overs when rain stopped play.

But, after discussions with the organisers, the Caesareans accepted the decision admirably.

'It is always disappointing when it rains. But if they applied the Duckworth-Lewis method at the other game, they have got to apply it here,' said Chris Minty, joint manager of the Jersey team.

Guernsey manager Dave Hearse admitted that it was not the best way in which to have won the match but there was little the organisers could do.

'I thought we would get a whole game in today, but with the weather like that you have just got to sit back and let it run its course,' he said.

'It is just disappointing that so much organisation has gone into this tournament, as well as a lot of money, and the rain threatens to spoil it all.'

However, there were several positives for Hearse to take out of Guernsey's performance.

The bowling attack functioned impressively and restricted a Jersey batting line-up that boasted four of their top six from the inter-insular to 156 from 50 overs.

Particularly outstanding were Cobo's spin duo of Jeremy Frith and Gary Rich who made the most of a helpful pitch and conceded just 43 runs from their combined 20 overs, picking up three of the eight wickets to fall. Frith also effected a run out.

The Rovers trio of Matt Jeffery, Stuart Bisson and Tim Duke claimed the other four scalps while Ami Banerjee was typically economical.

For Jersey, three batsmen made starts but could not go on and Andy Dewhurst's 23 was the top score, excluding extras.

In reply, James Warr proved that he is ready for senior island representative cricket with a confident, unbeaten knock of 26 including four boundaries, the majority of which were well-timed drives.

His opening partner Tim Duke went early, brilliantly caught by Chris Jones at first slip, but Banerjee joined the Elizabeth College captain in a fine unbroken partnership of 54 before play was halted.

'We bowled very well as a unit, especially the two spinners. We fielded well and kept them under pressure,' Hearse said.

'As for the batting, it was an excellent debut for young James. He was mature in his shot selection and he is getting better with the more exposure he is having at senior level.

'If he continues his progression in this manner, he will definitely be in contention for a regular senior island place sooner rather than later.'

At the College Field, Chris Stockdale's 47 was the main contribution to the Isle of Man's 147 for eight before Scott Pearce ripped through the Isle of Wight's top order, taking five for nine from his 10 overs.