Port Soif to hold top flight games in 2007

PORT SOIF will hold Barclays Evening League Division One matches for the first time this season - if the artificial wicket is improved. In a radical shake-up, the Guernsey Cricket Association have moved all first division games to Tuesday and Thursday evenings with matches simultaneously taking place at the KGV and Port Soif.

But the only black cloud on the horizon is the standard of the artificial wicket at the west coast ground that has raised some complaints since it was moved and re-laid in October 2004 when the new grass square was put down.

Last year saw the first season of Carey Olsen Championship take place on Rovers' ground.

'The changes were given the OK at the AGM but it's subject to the Port Soif artificial wicket having some remedial work done on it,' said GCA president Mark Latter.

'Apparently it's flat at one end and we are in discussions to have it improved one way or another. It should be completed at the end of March or the first week of April.

'What Rovers have done down there is awesome. If you can play championship cricket down there on the grass and if we get the wicket up to an acceptable level, why not play evening as well?'

The new format also allows the Guernsey team to train regularly on a Wednesday evening during the summer.

'It helps give Dave Hearse maximum opportunity to get his island players together,' said Latter.

'Also, by not playing on a Monday and Friday, it helps allow players to get over playing at the weekends.

'But obviously we've got to take in the view of the clubs.

'No one said anything and if someone does, we would have to rethink it.'

The secretary of Rovers Cricket Club, Paul Porter, was extremely pleased with the new arrangements.

'It should be good,' said Porter.

'We will be delighted to see Division One cricket at Port Soif. We believe we have the best outfield in the island and that is in no small part due to our ongoing investment into the irrigation system.

Rovers A team will now play all their home games on their own ground and their captain, Stuart Bisson, is looking forward to it.

The island medium pace bowler joked about the strong wind that blows off the sea across the west coast. Called the 'Port Soif Doctor' it is named after the famous 'Fremantle Doctor' that blows the Waca in Perth.

'It's good to have a change of venue and I think everyone will appreciate that,' said Bisson.

'The Port Soif Doctor should freshen up the league.'