JICC ease to two-day victory at Grainville

THE JICC were comfortable 74-run winners in the annual two-day match against the GICC. Set a large total of 265 for victory, the visitors fell well short at Grainville yesterday afternoon.

On the first day, the hosts' total of 251 for five had been founded on Andy Dewhurst's unbeaten 120, made from 132 deliveries including nine fours.

GICC captain Robbie Moore top scored with 63 as his side replied with 232 for eight.

Ian Crocker, the JICC opener, notched the second century of the match yesterday with a well-compiled 106 as the home side extended their lead considerably.

The target proved too great for the GICC, who changed around their batting order as they were bowled out for 190. Matt Oliver, coming in at number eight, added 70 to his 40 from the first innings.

Meanwhile, the Channel Islands' hopes of qualifying for the ECB 50+ County Competition quarter-finals have faded.

The Credit Suisse-sponsored team suffered their second defeat of the season when they opened their UK tour against Somerset.

The hosts made a modest 183 for nine from their 45 overs after electing o bat before bowling out the CI for a mere 121.

Mike Kinder produced a fine all-round performance, claiming three for 31 before being joint top scorer with 24, but overall it was a poor display by the team.

'A disappointing performance, especially by the upper-order batsmen not to capitalise on an under-par total set by Somerset on a flat, very fast ground,' said CI captain Keith Dennis.

More disappointment followed yesterday when Devon defeated the CI at Bovey Tracey CC by 48 runs.

The hosts scored 250 from their 45 overs before bowling out the opposition for 202.

n The development squad hope to end their tour to Holland on a high when they face the Dutch under-15s today.

So far Dave Nussbaumer's side has suffered two defeats against the under-17s but the team manager said yesterday that it has been a worthwhile and eye-opening experience.

'The Dutch are an extremely well organised and professional outfit,' he said.

Nussbaumer added that technically his troops have some lessons to learn.

'We have played too many shots across the line whereas they play very straight. They bowl very tight and our lads get themselves into difficulty because they cannot work the ball around.'

The manager's younger son Luke has impressed with his leg spin while Chris Dravers and Tom Le Tissier have also produced noteworthy contributions.

Yesterday, Guernsey were originally due to play the Belgian Indians, but both that and another potential fixture against the Dutch over-40s fell through at late notice. Instead, the squad had a four-hour training session with the GCB's technical director Jack Birkenshaw.