Fitness the foundation for success

FITNESS is the key for Dave Hearse as the island cricket squad prepare for the big season ahead. The Guernsey manager has named an 18 man squad which started training at the start of the year for a summer which holds a number of huge games against France, the MCC, Jersey and possibly Bermuda as well.

The most important event for Guernsey, though, is undoubtedly a trip to Glasgow in early August for the European Second Division Championships, from which promotion into the First Division and, down the line, entry into the 2011 World Cup are possible.

Hearse wants to be able to take an athletic and healthy squad when Guernsey face Germany, Gibraltar and Greece in their group.

'Fitness is the key as we want 14 fit guys for Scotland,' said Hearse.

'We will have two games on, then a break, another two games and then hopefully the final. The captain needs to be able to throw the ball to a player and he should be fit to bowl and a batsman needs to able to bat all the way through an innings.

'We expect a lot from the squad and their commitment needs to be higher than it has been over the last few years. We've got one crack at this and we have got to do everything in our power to make it happen.'

The squad train twice a week, when alongside traditional nets and fielding practice, they are undertaking sprint drills and core strength exercises under the supervision of squad member and qualified fitness instructor Matt Jeffery. Yoga, aerobics and boxing circuits at the Amalgamated Boys' Club are also planned.

The squad are also set to benefit from sessions with the manager of King's Life health club, Ian Potter. Guernsey's technical director and former Leicestershire coach Jack Birkenshaw is due in the island at the end of February when the emphasis will shift more onto specialised aspects of the game.

Island captain Andy Biggins also sees fitness as imperative to Guernsey's chances this year.

'I think there is no doubt that we have got an awful lot of talent and experience in the squad to be more than capable of playing in the second European division and we proved that when we beat Scotland on their own pitches last year,' said Biggins.

'But we have got to consider that some sides are going to do well simply because they are fit. A young, fit side will be difficult to beat in the final.

'There is no point having talent if you are too tired and unfit to be able to use it.'