Jersey dominance stretches to O-40s

GUERNSEY'S inter-insular misery was compounded when the island's over-40s lost to their Jersey counterparts yesterday. At a windy and miserable Port Soif, Jersey posted a modest total of 160 for nine from their 50 overs in the face of a fine Guernsey bowling effort. Unfortunately the home side could not mirror that performance with the bat and they were bowled out for 123.

'We bowled and fielded well but we just didn't have any partnerships,' said Sarnian captain Paul Wakeford.

'Every time we got one going we lost a wicket. Me, Pete Vidamour and Dave Piesing all went quickly in the middle and that put us on the back foot.

'It's a shame, but they bowled well as well. That's the way it goes - can't complain. We didn't have one decent partnership. That's what cost us.'

After losing the toss, the Caesareans were put in and failed to come to terms with a second-day wicket used the day before for Rovers' match with Romerils. Not one red cap got further than 25 runs.

Cobo off-spinner Gary Rich was the greens' best bowler as he returned figures for four for 30 runs from his 10 overs. The champagne moment came when Mark Culverwell took a sparkling catch at point to dismiss Ward Jenner off the bowling of Steve Birkett.

In reply, Guernsey were in a spot of bother at 36 for three as Mark Saralis found himself on a hat-trick after he had Pete Vidamour caught by Steve Carlyon and had Wakeford caught by Dave Gorman for a golden duck.

Next batsman Rich proceeded to edge the Springfield seamer's next delivery straight to Carlyon at slip but the former Muratti keeper could not hold onto it much to chagrin of Saralis.

Jersey dropped seven catches in total in the cold swirling wind. That did not prove to be too damaging as Guernsey could not get any real momentum going with the bat. They were finally dismissed 37 runs short in the 42nd over. Opening bowler Paul Horton was named man-of-the-match for taking four wickets for 41 runs.

'Both sides bowled well but it was difficult to bat on as it wasn't coming on. It was a good game of cricket.'