Jersey step closer

GUERNSEY has taken another step closer to International Cricket Council associate membership and to increased funding after Jersey impressed the council's inspectors in their bid for associate status. Top ICC men Matthew Kennedy and Laurie Pieters were in Jersey this week to view the island's facilities and to assess their suitability.

It seems that they will be sending an extremely favourable report to the meeting of 32 existing associate members in Dubai next month.

'I've been blown away by the facilities and structure of Jersey cricket,' Kennedy said.

'We see no significant areas of concern.'

Guernsey Cricket Board chairman Dave Peising, was buoyed by the news.

'I'm not surprised at all as we know that Jersey cricket is in a very good state and it's very encouraging for us because we know that we compare very well with them,' he said.

Jersey's bid was also helped when they twice comfortably beat established associate member Italy last month.

Their chances now look very good and if they are promoted from the lower affiliate status, that in turn strengthens Guernsey's cause to also jump from that level.

After coming runners-up at last year's European Division Two Championship, Jersey are the second-ranked affiliate country in Europe behind champions Norway.

It is anticipated that the 32 associate members will recommend Jersey's bid to the ICC annual conference in June.

At the conference, the top two affiliate countries from each global region are reviewed for associate status.

If Jersey's membership is granted, Guernsey as the third-ranked affiliate will take the second spot and be up for the associate assessment next year.

The JCB is naturally delighted with how well the inspection went and the island is now in line to host next year's World Cricket League Division 5 tournament.

Jersey reached the world league thanks to their performance at the European Championship.