Ami makes impression

AMI BANERJEE did his MCC selection chances no harm as he hit 81 in their draw with the Guernsey Island Cricket Club at the KGV yesterday - despite dropping a catch off their head of cricket. The Optimists and island all-rounder like any other cricketer wanting to join the MCC, has a play a certain number of matches over a two year period. A player's performances are then analysed and if they are deemed good enough, they receive membership to the Lords' based club.

His runs helped set up a total of 252 as the GICC reached 235 in reply.

'Very good and it was a bit hard for a few overs because of the rain the wicket was slow but later on it was good,' said Banerjee.

'It's like a friendly thing and it's always good to play with guys you know. The MCC guys came over for the last two years so I know them. It's good fun.'

Yet everything did not go the Indian's way as he uncharacteristically dropped GICC captain Mark Clapham on 58 when the game was finely balanced.

The man bowling was former Essex, Hampshire and England player and the person in charge of cricket at the MCC - John Stephenson who certainly has a major say on any player being accepted into the very exclusive club.

Banerjee laughed off the incident at the end of play.

'After the game he was fine,' he said.

'It happens in all cricket. What happens, happens.'

The hosts made a good fist of their run chase but had to settle for the draw.