Kidderminster find the going tough as Sarnians win twice

AN ABORTED flight, a ferry delay and rough seas didn't stop Kidderminster under-13s arriving during the wet, foggy conditions and the cricket was tough for them too. Island under-13 manager Ian Damarell used 16 players during the weekend's fixtures and both of the sides won comfortably against the visitors.

At Port Soif, Guernsey won the toss and elected to bat with the weather conditions not set to improve.

Opener Zak Damarell started well but mis-timed his shot coming down the wicket.

Chris Peatfield and Adam Clark then rallied for the Sarnians putting on a 50-run partnership before Clark's wicket fell on 26.

Peatfield batted beautifully for an unbeaten 82 while Worcestershire opening bowler Richard Hills bowled well giving away just a run per over.

Guernsey finished on 165 from their 40 overs.

In reply, Guernsey's opening bowlers Matthew Renouf and Tom Still were in no mood to give away runs and with just 18 coming off the first 10 overs, Kidderminster were always behind the required run rate. Still helped himself to three wickets.

Harry Best, Matthew Breban and captain Clark took six wickets between them as Kidderminster finished the game 64 runs short.

At the College Field the story was no different.

Guernsey batted well, scoring 152 for eight in their 40 overs, and Peatfield was once again in the runs with opener Oliver Tapp scoring 25 and Joe Alvarez top scoring with 26.

Kidderminster struggled with the Guernsey bowlers, particularly William Garnett's off spin, and eventually lost by 25 runs.

Ian Damarell was delighted with his side's performances.

'We talked about the need to bowl full-length balls and one side of the wicket and the need for batting partnerships. Everything seemed to fall into place during the games and this is great preparation for the Scotland tour,' he said.

The under-11 tour to Dorset was cancelled due to poor weather.