Strong CI retain Taunton trophy

THE Channel Islands have won the Taunton Under-11 festival for the second successive year. Although assisted by rain in their early matches, the CI held their nerve when it mattered most to win a thrilling last match against Shropshire with two wickets and one ball to spare.

In their opening fixture, the CI side batted poorly against Kent with only captain Adam Clark and Tom Le Lievre constructing a decent partnership, both scoring 28.

The islanders were bowled out for 136 and Kent were well placed for victory at 98 for three when rain forced the game to be abandoned.

However, due to the rules of the competition, the CI obtained a winning draw as they had lost the toss and were put in to bat.

The following match against Devon was also abandoned with only a handful of overs completed before torrential rain fell.

That meant everything came down to the final game.

Importantly, the CI won the toss for the first time in the festival and inserted Shropshire.

The fielding and bowling display was a fantastic team effort with all the bowlers keeping a tight line and length while Matthew Renouf bowled some unplayable deliveries.

Needing 137 for victory, the CI batsmen all chipped in with runs.

Oliver Tapp held the innings together with his 27 while Renouf smashed the ball around for the top score of 32.

The CI needed 51 from the final 11 overs after tea and they achieved it with one ball of the 45 overs remaining.

'We bowled and fielded very well against Shropshire and showed the true value of having wickets in hand for our run chase, with Ollie holding the innings together,' said CI coach Mark Renouf.

That victory ensured that the CI retained the trophy, finishing one point ahead of Kent.

'We lost the toss in the opening two games and were put in to bat on wet, green wickets,' said manager Jason Shambrook.

'Our batsmen struggled to cope with the conditions and thankfully the rain came to our rescue.

'Winning the toss against Shropshire was vital as we needed to win the game in order to pip Kent for the trophy.'