Development squad to play day/night match on SA tour

THE Guernsey development squad will be the first island representative side to play in a day/night match during their tour of South Africa. The Investec-sponsored party departed yesterday for a five-game trip in Cape Town, a year after their first successful venture to the area.

The tour opens on Sunday with a 50-over match against a Belville development XI, who last year featured the South African under-19 opening bowler, as well as several Western Province and Springbok age-group players.

'Tuesday sees possibly the most exciting game of the tour, against Bergvliet, as it will be the first time that the youngsters will have participated in a day/night game,' said manager Dave Nussbaumer.

The following day, Wynberg, one of South Africa's strongest cricketing colleges and Allan Lamb's former school, provide the opposition.

The team return to Fish Hoek 24 hours later to seek sweet revenge for losing a game that they should have won last year.

The last fixture is against new opponents Hermanus, a famous whaling town two hours up the coast from Cape Town.

Guernsey are taking a strong squad for the challenge.

GCA young cricketer of the year James Warr and Jamie Nussbaumer, the Investec under-19 player of the year, are taking time out from their university studies to join the rest of the party in London, which totals 37, including officials, coaches and players.

The squad is strengthened even further by three more youngsters who have played for the senior Guernsey team this year - bowlers Kris Moherndl, Pete Le Hegarat and Blane Queripel.

Manager Nussbaumer emphasised that the tour had a cultural aim also.

'On the last day of the tour there is the opportunity of going diving with the sharks.'