Hearse stays local

DAVE HEARSE has overlooked the talented South African wicket-keeper-batsman Ryan Bishop for Guernsey's three-match series with Holland A next week. The Guernsey manager was faced with a dilemma as to whether to go for short-term gain and pick Bishop or look towards the future. The 20-year-old Rovers star arrived in the island at the start of the season and therefore will not be eligible to play for Guernsey's important ICC European Division Two Championships in August 2008.

But judging by his appearances behind the stumps this season, Bishop is arguably a better glove man than the island's present keeper, Matt Oliver. However, the Cobo left-hander is good enough to merit his place in the team as an explosive opening batsman.

Wanderers' Sher Khanagha is another player who is not yet ICC eligible but he is also pushing for a spot in the island set up. The all-rounder is also not involved.

'I've picked it from the existing squad that did the winter training and those who are ICC-eligible or could be for the 2008 European Championships,' said Hearse.

'That's our main focus because to do anything other would be deluding ourselves.'

Another problem for Hearse is that Lee Savident is unavailable for the three matches that are taking place at the KGV. The Guernsey-born former Hampshire professional was named player of the tournament at last year's European Division Two Championships in Glasgow after he smashed 136 against France.

He also opened the batting for the European representative side against MCC last season.

Cobo all-rounder Jamie Nussbaumer is also unavailable.

Hearse is giving run-outs to youngsters Blane Queripel, Kris Moherndl and Peter Le Hegarat.

'I've kept a number of younger members in the squad because in essence they have got two years of experience in front of them before August 2008,' he said.

'I think each team is capable of performing and doing a good job against Holland. But it's all about on the day. If your bowlers and batsmen don't perform, you don't win games.'

With Guernsey's coaching connection with Sussex, the county champions' coaches Keith Greenfield and Ben Haines will be coming over to assist Hearse.

'It's important for Sussex to see the squad members in live situations because they will be helping me analyse the players over the three days,' said Hearse.