Unbeaten two meet today

IT IS the clash of the unbeaten two today as the group stage of the VisitGuernsey Four Islands Tournament is completed. Guernsey meet Isle of Man at the KGV fresh from their respective victories over Isle of Wight and Jersey yesterday, although yet again the computers were out as the Duckworth-Lewis scoring system was put to full use due to more rain.

After a delayed start, the Sarnians were indebted to Jeremy Frith's 67 which was the basis for their 212 all out. The Cobo all-rounder faced 82 deliveries, hitting six fours and a big straight six, and shared in a vital fifth wicket stand of 65 with captain Andy Biggins, who contributed a run-a-ball 41.

In the third over of the Isle of Wight reply, Divan van den Heever took a superb return catch low down to dismiss Joshua Nelson.

It was a vital wicket because it was not long before the heavens opened and a sudden deluge hit the KGV. It was only brief but enough to saturate the square and bring the players off until the next shower arrived and play was then halted for the day.

Guernsey's opponents understandably felt aggrieved that they were able to face just 6.2 overs, but the Duckworth-Lewis formula said that with one wicket down they needed to have scored 26 for victory by that stage and they had only reached 19.

It was not the most satisfactory way to win, but it was a home win all the same.

'Jeremy batted very well when we needed him to - again - and Andy hit the ball well. The running between the wickets was excellent throughout,' said Dave Hearse, the Guernsey manager.

'And given the competition rules, the caught and bowled from Divan was crucial.

'You just would not think that we would have this weather for a whole week in August. I must praise the groundsmen though. They are working hard and doing their utmost to facilitate this tournament,' he added.

At the College Field, 26 overs were lost to rain but they did manage to get back on to finish the match.

Jersey had posted 161 for seven, Richard Gomersall top scoring with 35 not out, and Isle of Man had faced nine overs when play was stopped, leaving a revised target of 103 with 15 overs still to be bowled.

They got home with five balls and five wickets to spare thanks to 36 from Chris Stockdale and an unbeaten 25 from Graham Garrett.