Bulgaria bowled over as Sarnians start with a win
Family comes first but if Martin-Dale Bradley gets called away from Guernsey’s biggest tournament for two years, at least he can say he made an impact.
The Irregulars skipper was player-of-the-match yesterday as the hosts got their ICC Men’s 20 World Cup Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier off to a flying start with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Bulgaria at Port Soif.
However, with his partner expecting their second child imminently, Bradley is taking the ‘one game at a time’ cliche to the next level.
‘Our due date is on Sunday, so it’s really in the mix of the middle of the tournament, but obviously that’ll become priority if things do happen and there’s more than enough guys in the squad that can step in if need be,’ he said.
Bar losing the toss, Guernsey dominated proceedings on the first morning of the tournament as they bowled Bulgaria out for 97 with Bradley claiming three wickets with his leg spin.
‘Other than that first ball, which I think is just a sign of a 37-year-old trying to get into the swing of things, it came out quite nicely,’ said Bradley, making a humorous reference to his drag-down long-hop loosener.
‘The game plan is always trying to attack the stumps as much as possible and see how we go from there. So, yeah, it came out all right and it’s good start.’
There were also two wickets apiece for seamers Dane Mullen and Charlie Forshaw in what was a very efficient performance in the field from the Sarnians.
The batters then knocked off the runs in less than 10 overs with Josh Butler finishing unbeaten on 41 while Ben Fitchet (20) and Tom Nightingale (28) chipped in with useful contributions.
‘I think a wicket maiden was the first over, so that really set the tempo and we wanted to come out and get off to a good start and show what we want to do,’ Bradley said.
‘I thought the guys came out and batted exactly how we’ve been trying to do for the last year or so.
‘So really good to start off with a big net run-rate win as well – you never know with weather around, that kind of stuff might may become important, so it’s good.’
With this tournament having been the main focus of the Guernsey squad for the last two seasons, the all-rounder revealed that they were glad to finally get their campaign under way.
‘The messaging has been for the last couple of weeks “we’re here now and enjoy it”.
‘We’ve done all the prep we can and I think that’s a big part of it, trying to settle those nerves down.
‘A big win always helps, so hopefully it’ll do us well going forward.
‘We’ll try and get some footage of the other sides and have a look and see what they’re about while hopefully not having my second child tomorrow. But if that happens, it happens.’
Guernsey face Malta today at the KGV, 3.30pm start.
ELSEWHERE ON DAY ONE
Hamid Shah hit a magnificent century yesterday afternoon at the KGV as Denmark started their campaign with an 118-run victory over Czechia.
He made 100 from 58 balls with 10 fours and four sixes as the Danes racked up 225 for 6 before restricting their opponents to 107 for 8.
In the same group, Spain had earlier beaten Cyprus by 15 runs after recovering from 33 for 4 to make 152.
In group two at Port Soif, Finland made light work of chasing down 118 to beat Malta, winning by nine wickets with 32 balls left.
