Door not shut on Bishop

GUERNSEY'S senior cricket coach Dave Hearse admits he could face a major headache if young South African talent Ryan Bishop maintains his fantastic form with bat and gloves. The 20-year-old, who has a career top score of 161, has not stopped making big scores since arriving in the island and hitting the first century in the GCA Championship.

He has also used his lightning quick reflexes to stand up close to the stumps with his gloves. But Hearse could have a dilemma, albeit a nice one, if he consistently performs at the top level.

'He is obviously a proven cricketer and we've seen that over a number of games,' said Hearse.

'I would assess his long-term commitment to this island before considering him for inclusion in any squads,' he said.

It has long been a controversial issue in Guernsey in cricket, football and rugby whether to include in island teams an influx of people who have just arrived at the expense of locals and longer-established residents.

'I have to look at what long-term commitments they have to the island. If there is no connection, they can go at any time,' said Hearse.

Bishop has an island-based girlfriend but is planning to go to Oxford Brookes University in September.

'You could include people like them and exclude others from squads and that could create ill feeling and resentment,' warned Hearse.

'It's commitment to the island we are looking for as well as being a talented cricketer. It has to be looked at sensitively for inclusion in squads and big games.

'We are trying to develop Guernsey cricket over a number of years, whether it's five or 10, rather than necessarily looking at quick fixes,' he said.

'You might have short-term success but long-term failure.'

One certainty this season though is that Bishop will not be eligible to play International Cricket Council cricket.

'We are in the ICC championship now and there are certain criteria people have to have, which is normally four years' minimum residency. You would not find many non-locals who have not been here for at least one year or two in the island teams over the last four years,' said Hearse.

'We have always seen how committed they are to the Guernsey way of life. It's not to say other sports are doing it wrong: it's just the way I want it.

He said he would have to think about all the pros and cons, when asked about making a selection for a one-off game against Jersey.

After his first game locally Bishop said he would be very proud to represent Guernsey on the cricket field.

* Last night's Evening League programme, including two Division One games, was washed out.