Frith on top form for inter-island meeting

JEREMY FRITH is certainly Mr Cricket. It becomes clear when you speak to him that, given the chance, he would play every day for the rest of his life.

In fact, it could be said that he already does as a full-time professional cricket coach and his dedication and enthusiasm have certainly been good news for the island squad this year.

He has been on good form recently and was the shining light when Guernsey took its first steps into international cricket against Namibia and Bermuda at the end of June.

The all-rounder top scored with 78 against the Africans and got 55 the next day when playing Bermuda.

He bowled economically over the two days and took a number of tough catches close to the wicket.

Without doubt the Hampshire man is Guernsey's key player tomorrow when the old enemy are in town.

'I'm looking forward to Jersey,' said Frith.

'It always has a bit more spice than any other game and being involved in the development of cricket on the island, it doesn't matter what age group, they want to beat them.'

The 27-year-old first came to the island in 2001. He is currently based just outside Southampton where his girlfriend, Guernsey hockey player Chantelle de la Mare, attends teacher training.

This now sees him spend a lot of time commuting between the mainland and here to play and coach.

The Cobo man came up through the age groups at Hampshire to feature in their second XI. He also had a stint with Gloucestershire's second team.

As Guernsey has been accepted into the ICC, he now has, along with the rest of the best players on the island, the opportunity to play the highest level of cricket possible.

Frith is excited by Guernsey's entry onto the international scene.

'It's been fantastic and it's brilliant for Guernsey and the Channel Islands,' he said.

'It was important for the ICC that we weren't whitewashed and that we were competitive. Without a doubt we were competitive.

'We didn't just play good cricket, we played really good cricket. The nicest thing is that one day we could play an inter-insular match against Jersey in a World Cup or a high level-ICC competition.'

Frith is full of praise for island manager Dave Hearse, who took over the reins before the 2003 season and the new technical director Jack Birkenshaw.

The Guernsey Cricket Board employed the former England player and Leicestershire coach at the start of the season and his experience and knowledge have paid dividends for the island squad.

'Jack is fantastic,' said Frith.

'He's in a position where he can be objective as he's more detached than everyone else - he's got no loyalties to any clubs. He's a great communicator and he understands the game from top to bottom.

'Hearsy has done a good job since he came in when there weren't any obvious choices to succeed Pete Vidamour.

'I remember him walking around at an inter-insular before he was manager with his green beret on.'

So what about Saturday?

'If we perform as well as we can, Jersey won't get close to us,' he said.

'They'll be competitive and up for it, but we've got a good, adaptable side that will deal with any situation.

'They will be capable, but I have deep faith in the 10 guys I'll be walking onto the pitch with.

'We've put a lot of hard work in over the winter and the summer.'