Savident in weekend predicament

LEE SAVIDENT could be back playing for Rovers Cricket Club this summer. Current rules do not allow the former Hampshire professional to return to the island from his new home in Southampton to play in the Carey Olsen Championship at the weekends, but the Guernsey Cricket Association and Board are to meet soon to discuss whether he will be allowed to do so.

It is understood the authorities are considering introducing a ruling whereby the Guernseyman would have to play a set number of minimum games to qualify to come over to play.

This, though, could cause a problem to the Sarnian as his first commitment at the weekends is to Southern Electric Premier Cricket League team, BAT Sports.

'I'm struggling to be honest,' said Savident.

'It depends on how well we do as a club in the national competition. I'm going to have to play and that is on Sundays.

'I would like to come over. Once they clarify the rule then I'll see if it's feasible but if I can't make the minimum number of games, then I won't do it.

'That's the problem.'

Savident returned to the Guernsey side last year for the international matches against the Scottish Academy, Namibia and Bermuda.

Especially against the Scots in Edinburgh, Savident proved what a class act he is by hitting 71 and then 50 in a destructive manner.

The GCB is also currently investigating as to whether he will be eligible to play for Guernsey in their first big ICC challenge in early August, the European Division Two tournament in Glasgow.

Apparently the early indications are favourable and if he is able to play in the domestic league next summer he will also be eligible for the inter-insular.

Last season Hampshire based Jeremy Frith was allowed to play for Cobo as he had a coaching post over here.

This did cause some disgruntlement in Jersey when he lined up for the annual clash and if Savident was also to do so this year, it would certainly cause more ill feeling over the water.

A few years ago, when Rovers picked Savident to play Old Victorians in the old CI competition, the OVs refused to go onto the field if the all-rounder played. Rovers eventually backed down and did not select him.

But any potential problems with Jersey this summer could possibly be avoided, because Savident has no interest in the inter-insular.

'At the end of the day the inter-insular doesn't really bother me,' he said.

'The guys who play all year deserve it, but the ICC is different. You need to have your best side with your most experienced players. That's why I left Portsmouth to go to BATs who have the best wicket in the league by a long way. I want to play on good wickets not cabbage patches in preparation for the wickets in our ICC games.'

GCB chairman Dave Piesing is keen to have him back playing in the Carey Olsen Weekend League for the first time in over 10 years.

'I personally would like to see him playing local cricket as it benefits all island cricketers to be playing against the best possible,' he said.

'As things stand at the moment he can't play as he does not reside here. This is currently under review to and the GCA and the GCB will meet in the next week or so to discuss it in detail.

'If Lee was to come over we would need to know what commitment he is going to make. It would not be right for him to come over just to play one game.

'He would need to commit to at least four or five games.'

Savident has warned off any potential suitors wanting to use his wares for next season. The 28-year-old is a Rovers man through and through.

'I'd definitely play for Rovers if I came back,' he said.

'It wouldn't seem right if I went anywhere else.'