Bishop makes gem of start

ROVERS have unearthed a gem in South African wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Bishop. The 20-year-old made a dream debut against Praxis Corinthians at the KGV last night - firing 78 runs off just 43 balls.

He struck nine fours and two huge sixes in his quickfire innings before being caught by Jonny Orme off hot young prospect Tim Ravenscroft's bowling.

Pierre Moody dropped a difficult chance to dismiss him in the covers when he had scored just eight and the newly-merged former Pessimists-Taverners side were ruthlessly made to pay.

Batting at number three Bishop was ably assisted by opener Tim Duke, who was run out for 43 off 42 balls in Rovers' formidable total of 141 for six off just 16 overs.

But it was not just with the bat Bishop impressed. He made a stunning low catch to dismiss the dangerous Ravenscroft and made two classy stumpings, fearlessly standing up to the quicker bowlers.

Corinthians' reply never really got off the ground - only stubborn resistance from young Will Thompson with 23 and Pierre Moody with 26 - helped them to a paltry total of 80 for eight.

They were not helped by some suicidal run-outs and never looked like posting a decent score.

'We have unearthed a gem,' declared Rovers skipper Stuart Bisson.

'His keeping was first class and as good as anyone in the Channel Islands. The fact he knows how to hold a bat is a bonus,' he said.

'He was strong off his legs and it was a dream debut with runs, stumpings and a catch.'

Bisson had no doubt how much of a coup the Johannesburg's signature could prove in the hunt for silverware.

'Rovers are always pushing for trophies and with Ryan's inclusion and a good top order I can't see any reason why we can't compete with the so-called big-boys of the previous years.'

Bishop personally enjoyed making an immediate impact on the local scene.

'I loved it and I enjoyed the cricket. It's a very nice bunch of guys and I'm very happy with my debut.

'I could probably have made a few more runs but I'm happy with that start,' he said.

He is hoping to push for an island place this season before heading off to Oxford Brookes University to study business management in September.

'I would be very proud to represent Guernsey and would love to play for you.'