'Tour' with a difference
ELIZABETH COLLEGE host their annual match with the MCC today, but for once they will not be playing tourists.
‘We have a totally Guernsey-based team and it is the first time we have been able to do this, so it is breaking new ground,’ said Mark Jefferies, the former Island batsman, who is in charge of the MCC side for the three games over the weekend.
‘It should be good. We have a declaration game against Elizabeth College and then the other games will be 40-overs-per-side against a GCB XI on Saturday and Sark on Monday.
‘We have got only one candidate playing in Ant Stokes, the rest are all full members.
‘There is an MCC side playing in Jersey this weekend, too, but the difference is that they have some full members and candidates from the UK, whereas our team is purely local.’
In fact, it is a particularly strong MCC XI with Stokes one of five members of the group – along with Zak Damarell, Ollie Newey, Will Peatfield and Tom Veillard – who were part of the Guernsey national squad who played against the Isle of Man last weekend.
Five others also have Guernsey caps with Jefferies joined in the ranks by Andy Biggins, Mark Clapham, Tim Duke and Richard Veillard.
Jonny Bailey, an Evening League centurion this week, completes the side.
‘I think that team would give the full Island side a decent game,’ Jefferies said.
‘We will mix it up a bit over the course of the three games.’
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In these Covid-hit times, Jefferies is particularly happy that the Elizabeth College fixture will be fulfilled.
‘I have spoken with Tom Eisenhuth at the College and all the lads are looking forward to playing the MCC because I believe if they manage to score a hundred or take five wickets they get the chance to go to Lord’s, so they all have an eye on that.’
Today’s game is due to start at 11am at the College Field. Tomorrow’s match against a GCB XI captained by Lucas Barker will be at the KGV, also starting at 11am.
n ELIZABETH COLLEGE will also be in action on Sunday when they take on Irregulars in the Odey Wealth Bowl final at the KGV, 12.30pm start.
That match will be preceded by a 16-over game for the Guernsey Women’s squad at 10.15am.
