World class player could face island cricketers

KENYA World Cup star Collins Obuya could be heading for Guernsey next month. The talented all-rounder is set to line up for Weymouth during the Dorset Premier Division side's pre-season tour of the island.

Obuya, who took a stunning catch to dismiss England captain Michael Vaughan during his side's seven-wicket Group C defeat at the weekend, has spent two summers as the Seasiders' overseas professional.

The defeat, which saw Kenya fail to make the Super Eight stages of the competition, means that the leg spinner and middle order batsman is now free to join his former teammates in Guernsey.

'It was a disappointing result for us,' said Obuya, who also dropped a difficult chance offered by Ian Bell.

'We went into the game with high hopes but we just didn't get enough runs on the board batting first.

'I didn't play for Weymouth last season because I was in Kenya preparing for the World Cup and I'm not sure exactly what my plans are for this coming summer.

'But I am in regular contact with the club and have been invited to tour Guernsey with them and it's something I'd very much like to do.'

Obuya first hit the headlines during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe, helping his country reach the semi-finals.

During that march to the last four, the 26-year-old picked up 13 wickets, including five for 24 in the victory over Sri Lanka at Nairobi.

That won him a one-year

contract with Warwickshire, but he failed to make an

impression due to injury and illness.

He joined Weymouth in 2005 where he finished the season as the club's leading wicket-taker and has since spent time working in Australia with Shane Warne's spin coach, Terry Jenner.

Weymouth Cricket Club spokesman Hugh Bowden explained: 'Collins has yet to commit to another season at Weymouth and much will depend on his international commitments.

'But we have talked to him about the tour to Guernsey and he's up for it as long as he can

get the time off and get permission from the Kenyan management.'

Weymouth arrive in the island on Friday 20 April and have games scheduled on the following Saturday and Sunday against Mavericks at the KGV.