A Manx invasion
ISLE OF MAN cricketers are set to invade Guernsey next month.
Four Manx age-group sides will be making the trip to take on their Sarnian counterparts during the week starting 17 August, with matches ranging from T20s up to 50 overs.
The senior men’s squad will play a three-match T20 series on Friday 21 and Saturday 22, albeit not of international status.
‘Just getting the chance to pull on the Guernsey shirt is pretty exciting and this is a really good opportunity now to focus on something and push forward to it in training,’ said Guernsey T20 captain Josh Butler, who added that the hosts are likely to include some debutants.
‘We will be looking to use a squad of 13 or 14 and with Matt Stokes and David Hooper currently in the UK and not available for these games, we have earmarked some players who have impressed with their attitude and commitment who we are going to reward because we feel they deserve a chance.’
Guernsey Cricket chief executive Mark Latter revealed that a total of 138 people – players, coaches and parents – will visit from the Isle of Man during the week.
He also thanked Gavin St Pier, Heidi Soulsby and Dr Nicola Brink for their guidance as well as St Pierre Park Hotel and Aurigny for helping make the trio happen.
‘It is great to see so many coming down for the trip and for the boost this will give the local hospitality industry,’ Latter said.
Isle of Man cricket development officer Grieg Wright added: ‘The opportunity created by the air bridge was one we couldn’t miss.
‘With the cricket missed this year with overseas festivals and World cup qualifiers all players and parents were keen to take the opportunity to play in Guernsey.
‘The work from people in both countries has made this a relatively easy process to put together, we are just looking forward to playing some good cricket now.’
Schedule
Monday 17 August – Isle of Man U13s and U17s teams arrive
Tuesday 18 August – Guernsey U17s v. Isle of Man U17s in two T20s, 10.30am and 2.30pm at the KGV; Guernsey U13s v. Isle of Man U13s in two T20s, 11am and 3pm, at the College Field.
Wednesday 19 August – Guernsey U13s v. Isle of Man U13s in two T20s, 11am and 3pm, at the KGV; Guernsey U17s v. Isle of Man U17s 50-over game, 11am, at the College Field.
Thursday 20 August – U13s and U17s depart, U15s and Seniors arrive.
Friday 21 August – Guernsey XI v. Isle of Man XI T20, 2pm, at the KGV; Guernsey U15s v. Isle of Man U15s 45-over game, 11am, at the College Field.
Saturday 22 August – Guernsey XI v. Isle of Man XI in two T20s, 11am and 3pm, at the KGV; Guernsey U15s v. Isle of Man U15s in two T20s, 11am and 3pm, at the College Field.
