Inter Insular #63 2014

 Jersey v Guernsey
played at Farmers Field, Jersey
on Saturday 6th Sept 2014 at 10.30am
for the NatWest Trophy
50 overs per side
Umpires Jeremy Sharratt (Guernsey) and Sutan Selvachandran (Jersey), Hansie Vosser (3rd umpire)
Scorers John Mountford (Guernsey) and Drew Livingston (Jersey)
Toss won by Guernsey who elected to bat
Jersey won by 6 wickets

Man-of-the-match      P Gough

Guernsey inningsRunsBallsMins46S/RJersey bowlingOvMdnsRunsWktsE/RS/RW/Nb
M Stokesc Hawkins-Kayb Bodenstein2453763045.28Hawkins-Kay921701.89-(w 3)
L Barkerc Hawkins-Kayb Kynman19150011.11Kynman501823.69(w 3)
O Neweyb Kynman412140033.33Stevens1021521.57.5
J Frithc Stevensb Bodenstein1444541031.82Watkins705507.86-(w 5)
B Ferbrachec Goughb Palmer045000Bodenstein812533.138.33(w 1, nb 1)
D Hooperc Farleyb Stevens1143481025.58Palmer701712.4317(w 1)
J Nussbaumer*c Farleyb Stevens718250038.89Perchard2.501525.297.5(w 1)
J Martin +b Bodenstein2438413158.54
T Kimbernot out4149587083.67
W Peatfieldst Farleyb Perchard2021323095.24
M Ellislbwb Perchard1350033.33
Extras (w14, nb1, b3, lb3) 21
Total (in 48.5 overs)168(at 3.44 RPO)
Did not bat:
Fall of Wicket: 5-1 (Barker 3.4 ov ), 15-2 (Newey 7.2 ov ), 51-3 (Stokes 18.3 ov ), 54-4 (Ferbrache 19.6 ov ), 54-5 ( Frith 20.2 ov ), 73-6 (Nussbaumer 27.3 ov ), 83-7 (Hooper 33.4 ov ), 109-8 (Martin 38.3 ov ), 157-9 (Peatfield 46.6 ov ), 168-10 (Ellis 48.5 ov )

Jersey inningsRunsBallsMins46S/RGuernsey bowlingOvMdnsRunsWktsE/RS/RW/Nb
J Jennerc Hooperb Frith29243740120.83Nussbaumer602003.33-(w 4)
P Gough*not out8811012715080.0Peatfield5.104308.32-(w 1)
B Stevensc Martinb Stokes055000Stokes522014.020
NAT Watkinsc Barkerb Ellis25232950108.7Frith1014224.221(w 1)
E Farley +c Peatfieldb Frith2123272191.3Ellis403117.7531
LE Gallichannot out220260010.0Hooper411503.75-
Extras (w6, lb1) 7
Total (for 4 wickets in 34.1 overs)172 (at 5.03 RPO)
Did not bat: Hawkins-Kay, Kynman, Bodenstein, Palmer, Perchard
Fall of Wicket: 45-1 (Jenner 8.2 ov ), 45-2 (Stevens 9.5 ov ), 90-3 (Watkins 17.5 ov ), 128-4 (Farley 25.5 ov )

PREVIEW

‘Uncapped four in Guernsey squad’  by Gareth Le Prevost

AS MANY as four new caps could be in the Guernsey side on Saturday when they attempt to wrest the Inter-Insular Trophy back from Jersey. Jason Martin, Ollie Nightingale, Will Peatfield and Lucas Barker have all been named by island director of cricket Nic Pothas in the 12-strong squad for the annual clash, which will take place for the first time at the picturesque Farmer’s Field in Jersey.

Pothas, who will be presiding over his second inter-island clash, said he is very happy with the squad selected. ‘It is a great blend of youth and experience and is born of a culture which has been growing throughout Guernsey cricket over the last 18 months,’ he said. ‘A lot of hard work and a huge amount of learning has taken place in a very short space of time and that is credit to all the players, coaches and support staff. ‘It is now time to relax, trust the preparation and enjoy the day,’ added the national coach.

Pothas will announce the final XI on the morning of the game and whoever makes the team, they will surely constitute the youngest ever to play the annual fixture. ‘While in many people’s eyes this is the most important game of the year, we  will be approaching it the same as we approach any other game of cricket by paying attention to the processes and linking and adjusting to the game situations we will face in the best way possible.

‘We are however fully aware and respectful of the tradition of the inter-insular and the history behind it and will acknowledge the players who have taken part in this historic event over the years.’ Saturday’s game will be  the usual 50 overs perside,  starting at 10.30am.

Guernsey squad: Jamie Nussbaumer (captain), Jeremy Frith, Ollie Newey, Ollie Nightingale, Ben Ferbrache, Jason Martin, Will Peatfield, Max Ellis, Matt Stokes, David Hooper, Tom Kimber, Lucas Barker.

[M Stokes became the 25th Elizabethan since 1862 to score a century against Victoria College when he scored 108* in Jersey earlier in the season.]

‘MacRae is eager to taste the inter-insular rivalry’      by Tom Millar

JERSEY head coach Neil MacRae is excited by the prospect of experiencing his first cricket inter-insular on Saturday at Farmer’s Field, and he said he has seen a noticeable increase in intensity from his squad at training as the big day approaches. The Scot, who was appointed to the position last December, saw his Jersey team beat Guernsey by just one wicket on their way to winning Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division Five in Malaysia in March, but he has yet to experience the annual inter-insular spar.

Growing up in Aberdeen, the former Scotland international cricketer is well aware of just how important derby games are to the fans. ‘I’ve always grown up in a culture of derby games: said the 42-year-old. ‘In football there was a big rivalry between Aberdeen and Glasgow Rangers and, as a Scot, it’s impossible not to know about the England-Scotland rivalry. ‘At youth level cricket, we always played England and it was a massive thing. ‘I’m really excited about the day. Local rivalries are always exciting and having spoken to players who’ve played historically, I know it’s huge for both islands. ‘It’s particularly huge for us because we’re at home and all the players want to win the trophy in front of the Jersey fans.’

Yet to name his final team, MacRae says he’s been impressed by the way his squad have trained and he’s delighted to have a fully fit complement of players from which to select. ‘There are a couple of places still up for grabs,’ he said. ‘We’ve got good competition in the squad and there’s been a noticeable change as the guys have upped their intensity. ‘These guys are all aware that it’s a one-off game and past results mean nothing – whichever team plays the better on the day will win the match. We have to make sure we’re completely ready.’

It will be the first time the inter-island clash has be played at the Farmer’s Field and MacRae is hoping for a big Jersey crowd to cheer his team on as they attempt to defend the trophy. ‘Farmer’s is a great ground and has a great wicket. It’s our training base, we spend a lot of time there and we’re familiar with it. ‘We’ll practice on the square and have a good feel for it, which should put us in good stead.’ The match starts at 10.30am on Saturday, with Guernsey not expected to name their side until tomorrow.

‘Guernsey have the Will to win’       by Matt Lihou

WITH injuries having prevented any previous involvement, Will Peatfield is hoping to make the most of a belated inter-insular debut against Jersey tomorrow. Despite the final XI not being named from the 12-man squad, Peatfield’s form with the ball this year in Miton Optimal’s double-winning campaign makes him’ a likely starter at Farmers. Although he is still only 23 in what is a young Guernsey side, Peatfield has been in and around the national representative set-up for some time now. But it is only over the winter of 2013 and into 2014 when he has remained injury-free long enough to push forward his claims to director of cricket Nic Pothas. Peatfield made his Guernsey debut in the World Cricket League Division Five relegation campaign in Malaysia back in March, when he did well on an individual level. He used those performances as a springboard for a strong domestic season and now, hopes to kick on and help Guernsey to their first win over Jersey since 2011. During this summer with his club, he took 21 wickets in seven games that saw his side win both the Swoffers Premier Weekend League and also the Premier League Knockout Cup. He averaged a hugely-impressive 8.90 with the ball at a strike rate of 16.52 and bowled at an economy rate of 3.23.

‘I am delighted to be selected in the 12 and can’t wait for the game now, where hopefully I will be picked and can help Guernsey to a win,’ he said. ‘Whoever the coach [Pothas] chooses on the day, it will be the XI who he thinks are best-equipped to go out and win the match, so we all trust his judgement, even if we are the one left out. ‘Everybody who has been chosen in this group have had strong seasons and are in-form, so despite it being a young team, we are confident that we can go and get the job done. ‘Like in any inter-insular, it is likely to be the odd moments that win or lose the game for either side and it is up to us to make sure we win most of those moments. ‘Jersey beat us in the WCL in Malaysia at the start of the year, but I think that we are a better team than back then, so we are confident of winning.’

In Malaysia, Peatfield played in five of the matches, taking 11 wickets that included two economical three-wicket hauls, opening the bowling on every occasion. He ended the tournament with a bowling average of 18.40 and an impressive 4.40 economy rate. He will be expected to perform the same role this time against Jersey and with that relegation campaign including a one-wicket defeat to their arch-rivals, Peatfield admits there is a desire to put things right. ‘We will always respect the traditions and occasion of an inter-insular match, but with most of us having experience of playing for Guernsey, we know what the atmosphere of this type of cricket is like. ‘So it is easier to treat it as just another game, although we are desperate to prove a point after what happened in Malaysia, which didn’t go as well as we would have hoped. ‘For me individually, I have been practising a lot building up to this game in terms of opening the bowling and then bowling at the death, which are both tough roles. ‘But statistically, this season has been my best ever with the ball and I have had some good games, so I am feeling good about my game at the moment. ‘Hopefully this can be the first of a few inter-insulars that I am involved in, but the key is to keep on working hard and showing what I can do.’

‘Small battles key’        by Gareth Le Prevost

WINNING the small battles within the match will be the key to victory in today’s inter-insular, according to the Guernsey captain. Jamie Nussbaumer’s side are looking to regain the trophy after successive defeats at the hands of Jersey, but on this occasion there is very little to choose between two very youthful teams.

‘There are so many little battles within the game,’ Nussbaumer said yesterday. ‘They have got a lot of good players, but so have we and I think they are two evenly matched sides so it will simply come down to who plays the better cricket on the day.’ Indications are that, as Nussbaumer put it, the match will be ‘pretty spin heavy’ with both sides looking likely to employ spinners for at least 20 overs apiece – Guernsey through Jeremy Frith and Max Ellis and Jersey with Ben Stevens and Nat Watkins, possibly with Rhys Palmer and Luke Gallichan thrown into the mix. But the skipper added that his likely new-ball pairing with debutant Will Peatfield could prove crucial against a strong Jersey top order while Matt Stokes and Dave Hooper with also have important role to play. ‘Goughy is always very steady and leads from the front then we know the likes of Stevens and Watkins are class acts while the X-factor is young Jonty Jenner. ‘With the ball we will be looking restrict and squeeze them as much as possible and pick up wickets at regular intervals. With the bat it will be a case of knuckling down, try to put partnerships together and not panicking.’ Nussbaumer added that having arguably the youngest ever Guernsey side will have some advantages when it comes to the third facet of the game. ‘I am feeling older by the day and I’m only 27, but it is one of the big pluses of having a young team because it adds a third dimension to our game in the field with the amount of runs we save and the catches we take that can prove decisive,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Nussbaumer is delighted to be able to lead out a Guernsey side at Farmers Field, which hosts the inter-insular for the first time today. ‘I have long been an advocate of playing the game there and it’s going to be fantastic,’ he said. ‘It’s a lovely little ground and the size of crowd will hopefully get will give it a really good buzz. ‘I have seen a picture of the pitch they have prepared and it looks an absolute belter. I know Jim [Perchard] will have been working hard to make sure everything is just right so it should be set up perfectly for a good day.’

MATCH

‘Jersey’s captain leads by example in comfortable win’      by Tom Millar

IT WAS as convincing a win as the margin suggests for Jersey at Farmers Field on Saturday, as captain and man-of-the-match Peter Gough led his team to their third successive inter-insular triumph. The six-wicket defeat of the old enemy was the perfect way to all but finish what has been a long season for head coach Neil MacRae and his players. This Jersey squad have been training together for the last nine months – a period that encompassed a terrific promotion from World Cricket League Division Five in Malaysia before a disappointing relegation from Division Four in Singapore just three months later. Five players who travelled to Singapore in June were unavailable for Saturday’s clash – Tom Minty, Dean Morrison, James Duckett, Andy Dewhurst and Sam Dewhurst – but the depth of this current island squad was apparent for all to see as the selected XI recorded an emphatic win. The visitors, who had have been confident of reclaiming the trophy having lost to the reds by just one wicket when the sides met in Malaysia in March, won the toss and chose to bat. Jamie Nussbaumer’s decision echoed confidence in his batting line-up, but it became evident almost immediately that the morning dew still lingering on the wicket would be to the advantage of Jersey’s bowlers. Anthony Kay bowled particularly tight lines making it extremely difficult for the Guernsey openers, while Ben Kynman took two crucial wickets in his spell. The dismissals of Lucas Barker and Ollie Newey brought Jeremy Frith to the crease but he looked out of touch from the off, scoring his first run with a thick edge to third man.

Kynman was replaced by left-arm orthodox spinner Ben Stevens, who went for just four runs in his first spell of three overs as the Sarnian players struggled to get the ball off the square. Nat Watkins had a punitive welcome to the proceedings after 12 overs as opener Matt Stokes, who had been preserving his wicket as others fell around him, hit the left-arm spinner for 10 runs off his first three deliveries. It ended up being a bowling performance that Watkins will want to forget, as the opposing batsmen appeared to actively target his overs as an opportunity to score runs.

2014 Martin bowled

Jason Martin bowled                            Guernseysportsphotography

Knowing their team needed a big partnership, Frith and Stokes began to rebuild the Guernsey innings but, while attempting to up the run rate, both started to play some rash shots. Stokes went after a slightly wide delivery in Corne Bodenstein’s second over but only managed to loop the ball into the hands of Kay in the slips and Ben Ferbrache was caught by Gough in the slips off the bowling of Rhys Palmer in the next over. Palmer, 18, bowled very well on his senior island debut and had a big role to play in the dismissal of Frith. Having swung and missed at several of Palmer’s deliveries, the 36-year-old all-rounder played a poor shot in Bodenstein’s over that was taken routinely by Stevens at point.

2014 Kimber digs in

                     Tom Kimber digs in                                Guernseysportsphotography

 

While many Guernsey batsmen provided a level of resistance, few went on to score lots of runs. Number nine Tom Kimber was the anomaly in an otherwise poor batting performance, scoring an unbeaten 41 from 49 balls to help his team limp to 168 all out. While Bodenstein claimed three wickets and both Kay and Palmer will be delighted with their respective economies, Stevens was the pick of the home team’s bowlers, taking two for 15 in his 10 overs.

2014 stokes appeals for a cast iron decision!

Matt Stokes has a cast-iron appeal turned down      Guernseysportsphotography

2014 Hoops bowling

Hoops tries to make inroads                                Guernseysportsphotography

As the day warmed up, Jersey’s top order had the advantage of playing on what had quickly turned into an excellent batting surface. Knowing they needed early wickets, Guernsey were delighted when opener Jonty Jenner appeared to snick the first delivery of the innings from Nussbaumer down the leg-side and through to wicketkeeper Jason Martin. However, despite a vocal appeal from the fielding side, umpire Suthan Selvachandran gave it not out.

2014 Jenner out first ball - Not

Nussy has Jenner out first ball – not given                          Guernseysportsphotography

Having survived that early scare, 16-year-old Jenner went after the bowlers, hitting 29 before eventually being caught at deep square leg by David Hooper. Stevens was unable to make an impact with the bat after being given out caught behind, but Watkins and Ed Farley both scored quick runs. What was particularly impressive about Jersey’s run chase was the speed with which the batsmen settled at the crease. That positive approach meant that the batsmen always seemed to have the upper hand. Batting right the way through the innings was Jersey skipper Gough who, other than being dropped in the slips by Frith on 11 in the eighth over, rarely looked troubled as he scored an unbeaten 88 runs from 110 deliveries.

2014 Frith delivers his last

Jeremy Frith bowling for the last time?               Guernseysportsphotography

With the scores level and Jersey four wickets down, Gough completed a fine captain’s performance by clipping a Will Peatfield delivery off his legs for four to confirm his team’s triumph with 15.5 overs to spare.

REVIEW

‘Pothas to stick with youth’    by Rob Batiste

NIC POTHAS has admitted his frustration after seeing his hopes of a first senior inter-island cricket win buried in a former potato field in Jersey. With Peter Gough, the Jersey captain leading from the front with an unbeaten 88, the visitors were swept side by six wickets as they buckled under the pressure of the occasion, just as they had cracked the previous year at KGV But, Guernsey’s director of cricket, is adamant he will continue to back youth and press on with his plans to build solid foundations for the domestic game. ‘We are not looking to build a house on the beach,’ he said. ‘I have no doubt we will be laughing in two years time. ‘Obviously it gets frustrating but we are improving and heading in the right direction.’ Pothas is well aware that it was a very poor performance on a good wicket at Farmer’s Field. ‘I am frustrated because we are a lot better than that. ‘Skill is not the issue. It’s how the players transfer those skills. ‘Our skill base has increased immeasurably, but the measure is how you transfer that in a game environment under pressure.’ Pothas remains happy with the decision to bat first, even if the early-morning start was likely to make the pitch a little juicy for the opening bowlers. ‘There was nothing wrong with the wicket. But they had one guy [Ben Stevens] who was a lot taller than our spinners and got it to rip. ‘There was absolutely nothing wrong with the wicket. That was as good as one you will see. I’m happy we batted first. You always look to bat first and get runs on the board.’ Pothas says there will be no knee-jerk reaction to the loss and is adamant GCB are ‘on the right path’. ‘The goal is to have greater depth. There are a lot of good kids coming through and they are the ones who will be fighting for places. ‘These kids get it,’ he said, meaning that they are aware of the levels of dedication required, both in terms of physical and skill preparation, to make themselves top players.’ Pothas says the GCB will continue to pair up the island’s best youngsters with UK club sides in Hampshire and Sussex as the domestic weekend league scene is not combatitive enough.

CORNFORD BACKS TURNAROUND

NOBODY likes to lose and our former senior national coach Andy Cornford is no different.
In an interview with the Guernsey Press which will appear this weekend, he says that the GCB have got their strategy right and everyone needs to be patient as young talent develops. He saw our defeat against Jersey last weekend first hand, alongside fellow Sussex coach Keith Greenfield.
‘Like everyone associated with Guernsey cricket, whether player, administrator or supporter, I left the idyllic Farmers on Saturday disappointed. ‘Even though recent results would suggest Guernsey were underdogs with Jersey now in a World Cricket League division higher than Guernsey, I was still hoping we could turn it on the day. ‘But sitting back now I realise how this would have just glossed over the position the Guernsey Cricket team currently finds itself.’
‘’Time’ and ‘transition’ are widely used words these days used in sport by coaches and managers as they blood new young players trying to fill shoes and gaps left by those who have moved on. For supporters these words can be frustrating and sometimes seen as excuses. I certainly don’t see it that way where Guernsey Cricket is concerned.’ Patience is vital, he says. ‘I actually looked at the current group on Saturday with excitement. ‘They’re young, fit, energetic and are proud of being a Guernsey Cricketer. With time I believe this group will bring success back to Guernsey.’

‘Critics overlook the facts’     from Inside Track        by Rob Batiste

ONE major problem behind team sports is that all too often there is so little study of circumstances when a team loses or hits a bad patch. GFC lose a few games and the entire project is set to come to a rapid and unsavoury end and Vance simply has to go. Much the same rubbish is now being thrown at Nic Pothas and the GCB after a pretty ordinary, it must be said, performance in losing a third straight inter-insular cricket match at the Farmer’s Field.
It’s a tough time for cricket. The glory days under the captaincy of Andy Biggins and Stu Le Prevost are a fast-fading memory, but those harbingers of doom should re-acquaint themselves with the facts of that era and, if they do, it should quickly strike them why there has been a downturn. In five years, virtually an entire XI has evaporated due to the three As – age, availability and absence [i.e. left the island]. Assess the Guernsey side that won in 2009 and, other than the distracted Frith, only one, Jamie Nussbaumer, is still fully fit and sufficiently committed to the cause to merit selection.

1, Savident (unfit); 2. Oliver (left island); 3. Frith; 4. Le Prevost (retired); 5. Smit (retired); 6. Kneller (left island); 7, Moherndl (retired); 8, Rich (retired); 9, Nussbaumer; 10, Queripel (retired); 11, Bisson (retired).

Go back a few more seasons, 2003 through to 2005, when Biggins was captain and Guernsey glory was underpinned not by pure local talent, raised on the swards of the College field and KGV but overseas guests.

In 2003, Guernsey edged home with the help of Glenn Milnes, a former first-class cricketer from New Zealand, Indian all-rounder Ami Banerjee, a player of minor counties standard, a young and hungry Frith, and Tim Duke, the latter newly-arrived from Essex. And when the likes of Milnes departed, who came in? Although not a direct replacement, South African GH Smit, then with a set of knees that did not hamper him like they do now, and two fast bowlers from his homeland – Divan van der Heever, Andre Van Rooyen. I could also lob in a few other names who Guernsey happily called on at the expense of local lads in this era. Try Nick Derbyshire, one of the quickest right-arm bowlers Guernsey cricket has seen in modern times, Ryan Bishop, a brilliant South African wicket-keeper batsman who in recent seasons has played first-class cricket for Gauteng and Mashonaland Eagles, as well as for Cardiff MCCU against English county sides. And, of course, in this period we also saw the return of Lee Savident, recently of Hampshire. The evidence is as clear as the skies were above Farmer’s Field in Jersey last Saturday. For 10 years, Guernsey’s national side was blessed with some extraordinary outside talent to back up some mightily handy local players at the peak of their powers – namely Biggins, Le Prevost, Rich and Moody.

Fast-forward to 2014, they have ALL gone and there are no first-class international replacements on the horizon to support and nurse through the best bunch of young cricketers the island has EVER had. When it comes to playing Jersey, it matters little how much Nic Pothas gets paid and how effectively Mark Latter, the GCB CEO runs the sport. But it is very much to do with depth of experience. On that score we have little. The current Guernsey side are much better prepared than any of their predecessors, but are relatively babes-in-arms who just need some senior guidance and time to develop. That will take time and the GCB strategy of sending the best youngsters to play testing club cricket in the OK is the way to go, given the sad state of the domestic weekend game. And that’s another story for another day.

‘Not a fitting end to the Frith era if he bows out’       by Rob Batiste

‘VERY average’ were the two wholly apt words of one Guernsey veteran who beat the inter-island transport fiasco to sample the unedifying sight of a hefty defeat for his team deep in potato field country in St Martin. This was a walloping, make no mistake, and what makes the loss so galling is that we are better than this showing, which left so little to cheer the few day trippers that made it over.
Nic Pothas has a battle on his hands to turn Guernsey cricket around, but the big South African will reluctantly relish it even if it seems that he may now have to achieve the swing in fortunes without the man who had so often put Jersey chins on their chests during the not-so-distant days of Guernsey domination, Jeremy Frith. There is a strong suggestion that. would be his international swansong and, if it turns out to be true, it was a sad way to go for this truly great player, perhaps the very best in the 60-odd years of inter-island games. ‘Frithers’ has lost his sparkle on the cricket pitch these past 12 months and this was no way to bow out of representative cricket.

There was nothing remotely secure about his turgid 16 runs even if it was in the cause of rebuilding an innings that had got off to a poor start. The great perfectionist was playing some odd shots and when he meekly slapped a wide ball that demanded full conviction, the ball looped into backward cover’s hands. Even with the ball he lacked the consistency which has been his byword. Two for 42 from 10 overs are decent enough figures but in comparison to the 2 for 15 of Ben Stevens, who was making the ball talk, they measured up to the team effort – average. Another Guernsey fan questioned whether we had picked too many kids. Now, while Lee Savident and his band of supporters would no doubt disagree, these are the island’s best players who, and this is the important bit, are the ones will do everything they can to make themselves better players and buy into the Pothas measures which, unless some great overseas stars suddenly arrive on our doorstep, are the only option the GCB have in finding a winning formula once again. The trouble with youngsters, though, is for every one step forward, there is a tendency to make two steps back. Guernsey cricket finds itself in this position, but patience is the key as is devotion to duty, the sort of which made Frith such a hero in island sport. So if this is his ‘national’ farewell, thanks for the memories Frithers.