Island star drops down a division

BARCLAYS Evening League Second Division team St Sampson's have pulled off a major coup in signing former island wicketkeeper Justin Ferbrache. The 35-year-old Cobo gloveman has decided to drop down the leagues in a move that will no doubt shock local cricket observers.

He left his club of seven years to allow Matt Oliver to keep wicket after the left-handed opener took up the role for the island side.

'I still class Cobo as my club but, with Olly staying, it would have put people in difficult situations,' he said.

'I would have stayed at Cobo if I had been needed. I wouldn't have left if the situation had been different.

'But I'm happy that Olly decided to stay. To be honest, I've had seven seasons at Cobo and after we didn't win anything for the first two seasons, we then went on to win everything.

'That's why I'm moving down to the second division. I feel I've got nothing to prove. The idea is to go and have a bat and have some fun.

'The St Sampsons guys seem enthusiastic. I'm hoping that it's a good move for them and me and that I can help them out if I can.

'I'm looking forward to the challenge.'

St Sampsons gained promotion last season from Division Three when they finished runners-up. Ferbrache says his aim is to help his new team reach the top flight.

Captain Matt Tullier is delighted that a player of Ferbrache's calibre will turn out for his club.

'With us getting promotion over the last few years we've been drawing on our more experienced players. With someone like Justin joining it will hopefully take us to the next level.'

Tullier has also been celebrating a new three-year sponsorship deal that the club have signed with Pure Projects.

'We're now called Pure St Sampsons,' said Tullier.

'It's excellent news for the club, especially with us stepping up a division. It helps take the club forward.'