One Carlyon in, one out

STEVE CARLYON, so often the bane of Guernsey sportsmen, has regained his place in Jersey's side. The prolific opener has made a U-turn on his retirement from representative cricket following Jersey's showing on their European Cricket Championship Division II debut in Scotland earlier this month.

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'My decision to retire was because of my age. I was 39 and thought it was time to move aside and give the youngsters a go,' said Carlyon, now 40.

'Jersey had a good tournament in Scotland and now I regret not having made myself available. It started to hit home when I saw the press coverage the players were getting.

'I missed out on an excellent tour: players and supporters have asked me to reconsider my decision and this I have now done.

'I've pledged my commitment to Jersey cricket again and my aim now is to play in the 2008 tournament. Nothing is guaranteed, though, it depends on my fitness and my form. If my form is good, then selection will take care of itself, so I have to hope my fitness remains good.'

Carlyon's form has been better than good this season and, once he announced his availability, was a shoo-in for the HSBC Challenge Cup at Grainville next Saturday.

His return is one of six changes to the side who were beaten by 89 runs at the KGV last year.

The selectors have also omitted wicketkeeper Simon Short, a regular for well over a decade. Bobby Minty takes over.

'The JCB selectors are looking for a consistent approach. We are looking for players who are committed with Jersey and international cricket in mind,' said selector Dave Gorman.

Tony Carlyon and Mark Saralis, who both went to Scotland, made themselves unavailable for selection for the inter-island game.

The former, younger brother of Steve, is on holiday but had said earlier this summer that he has played his last match against Guernsey as it was time for the youngsters to come through.

There can be little doubt, though, that the Sarnians prefer to see a Jersey team sheet without his name on it.