Biggins calls time on his captaincy

ANDY BIGGINS is stepping down as Guernsey captain. Tomorrow's inter-insular will be the 31-year-old's final game in charge of the Sarnian side and, whatever the result, he has already presided over the island's most successful period in its history.

Last year's victory at the KGV set a new Guernsey record of four successive wins over Jersey, all of which have been under his captaincy.

The ideal way for Biggins to bow out would be to extend that record at Grainville.

'I would rather make the decision before something else forces me into it,' he said.

'It is probably the right time. I have done it for five years and it was always my intention to do it for that long.

'I think I have taken the team as far as I can and it is the right time for someone else to bring fresh ideas to the job.

'It is also a good time for whoever takes over because they have a year to bed in and learn the ropes ahead of the next European Championships in 2008.'

However, Biggins wants to continue to be a part of the island squad and hopes to be able to contribute with the bat for some time to come.

'The other issue behind the decision was selection,' he said.

'While at the moment I believe I am still good enough to merit a place in team as a batsman, there will come a stage, fairly soon I hope, when I am not guaranteed a place because a young player, someone such as Jamie Nussbaumer or James Warr perhaps, has established himself in it.

'I would much rather fight for a place in those circumstances - work on my batting, improve my fielding and keep my fitness levels up.

'I am not saying I do not do that now, but as captain there is so much else to consider and sometimes your own game takes a back seat.'

With a record of only five defeats in 27 games as skipper since he began in 2002, Biggins can be justifiably proud of his tenure.

The next island captain will have quite an act to follow, but he will have the backing of his predecessor.

'I will support whoever takes over,' Biggins said.

'It has been the highlight of my sporting career and I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it has been a privilege to have had this opportunity.'