Guernsey youngsters going Dutch

It is a realistic target, according to coach Ash Wright, who is enthusing about the 'exciting' group of players currently involved in the youth ranks.

Because of the rules that players must be eligible for the ICC U19 World Cup itself in January 2018, it means that this is effectively an under-17s side playing in European Division Two qualifying.

However, the likes of Nairn Guilbert, Dan Le Messurier and captain Ant Stokes headline a Sarnian team looking to get the better of Italy, Denmark and hosts the Netherlands in the round-robin group.

Each side plays the other twice for a total of six 50-over matches across eight days, with Guernsey beginning their campaign against Italy on Saturday.

'This is an age group that I am quite excited about,' said Guernsey's head of cricket Wright.

'We are going there to win and if we apply ourselves correctly and perform well, then we will hope we can win this qualifying tournament.'

Guernsey squad: Ant Stokes (captain), Louis Falla, Declan Martel, Nairn Guilbert, Daniel Le Messurier, Lewis Drummy, Jack Birch, Matthew Merrien, James Hudson, Myles Brook, Edward Miller, Josh Ewins, Nic Buckle.

Guernsey's schedule

Saturday 23: v. Italy; Sunday 24: v. Denmark; Monday 25: Rest Day; Tuesday 26: v. Netherlands; Wednesday 27: v. Italy; Thursday 28: Rest Day; Friday 29: v. Denmark; Saturday 30: v. Netherlands

• More in Thursday's Guernsey Press.