Biggest games ever for Guernsey

DAVE HEARSE has described them as 'the biggest games of cricket Guernsey has ever played'. Namibia and Bermuda are looming large on the horizon and the island manager has announced his squad to face the two nations who will subsequently be battling it out at the ICC Trophy in Ireland for a place at the 2007 World Cup.

'This will be the hardest test our players have faced,' said Hearse of the matches to be played on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 June in Sussex.

'We do not know exactly what standard to expect, but we do know that they are going to be very, very good.

'We will be looking to make a good fist of it and play to our maximum capability. I will tell the players, do not be daunted or scared, just do your best.

'I am confident they will do well.'

Guernsey's tour will begin on Tuesday 21 June with a fixture against a Horsham Select XI and Hearse also expects that to be a tough game.

Unsurprisingly, he has looked to keep faith with the players who served him so well in Scotland and against the MCC last week, except for two.

'Andre van Rooyen is leaving the island very soon and so I have decided not to take him on this tour,' he said.

'Matt Jeffery is injured and has made himself unavailable.

'We will be taking the 15 that went to Scotland, minus those two and plus young Kris Moherndl, who will play in the first game only. He impressed against the MCC, his attitude is excellent and he is a very good prospect.'

The performances in Scotland against the country's Academy side were mightily impressive, with Hearse praising the team mentality of his players.

But this is another step up in standard, with Namibia having played one-day internationals against England last winter while Bermuda have recently beaten Barbados.

'It is a fantastic opportunity. These chances will not come around very often. It gives us the chance to see exactly where we are and where we need to improve,' said the island manager.

'The message for the Namibia game will be, go out, play your best and take with you what we have learnt from Scotland.

'Bermuda have also got a proven track record so both will be very severe tests.'