Batting falters again but Greens almost cause upset

GUERNSEY knew they were in for a tough time against the Sussex Academy and they were right.

On a slow and low Port Soif wicket that took copious amounts of spin, the island side lost both of their 50-over matches with the visitors.

On Friday, a predominately young side went down by 47 runs and the next day, with a few more senior players in the mix, they lost out by two wickets.

'I was encouraged with the youngsters yesterday. They did well,' said Guernsey manager Dave Hearse on Saturday.

'It's difficult to come out and play your first game on grass in April against a good team like the Sussex Academy. You'd like to have some club games first.'

The matches acted as a warm-up for the greens as they look ahead to the ICC World Cricket League Division Seven that is being held in the island next month.

Chasing Sussex's total of 211 on Friday, they could only manage 164, while the next day they bowled out for just 90.

Batting collapses have been a thorn in the side of Guernsey over the last few years and performances like these do not bode well for the World Cricket League.