Smit looks part

GH SMIT'S undoubted talent was almost not seen on Guernsey cricket fields. It is a good job for Dave Hearse, the island squad, Optimists and the handful of spectators you get nowadays at the KGV that a couple of his fellow South Africans persuaded him to pick up the willow once more.

He is now in line to win a first cap against Jersey in a little more than a week's time.

'Now I am glad I started again. All the guys have made me feel welcome, especially the Optis boys.'

Van Rooyen, who is the only other uncapped player in the squad of 13 announced by Hearse for the inter-insular, said it was more like he and van den Heever 'forced' Smit to take up the sport once more.

But since they did, Smit has impressed and made his first representative outing for Guernsey in the B game last weekend.

He hopes, if selected, to help take the Sarnians' unbeaten run in the full match to four years.

'I think we had a bit of bad luck on Sunday. We have definitely got enough talent in the first team to do it next time,' Smit said.

Having already spent over two seasons in local cricket, van Rooyen know a little more of the rivalry between the two islands and is desperate to finally get his chance to play in the 'big one'.

'I missed out on the first one when I was here and I was away for last year's. Hopefully, I am going to get selected for this one and I am really looking forward to it.

'I bowled quite well in the last couple of days and I am batting alright as well. I am happy with my form,' said van Rooyen, who, after playing against the CCM Academy twice, was last night in action along with Smit for Optimists.

Both played their parts in a comfortable victory over NRG Pessimists to maintain Optis' 100% record.

Van Rooyen was unfortunate to finish wicket-less, but was very economical in his five-over burst as Tim Belton's side were restricted to 100 from their 18 overs.

Andy Boyce took two fine catches off Ed Sherbourne's bowling as Optis lost a couple of early wicket in reply but Smit and Andy Biggins calmly steadied the ship.

Smit faced 22 balls for his 35, crashing six fours, and the island skipper reached his 50 in style, hitting the final ball of the match for six.