THE inaugural matches in the KPMG Channel Islands Club Championship take place tomorrow.
The top four teams in Jersey and Guernsey’s Leagues are taking part with two from each island in each group.
They play a series of round-robin matches during July and August culminating in semi-finals and then the final in September.
In addition, Jersey’s fifth and sixth-placed clubs will be playing in a similar competition against Guernsey’s fifth team and a Divisional Select for the Sid Guy Trophy.
Chartered Accountants KPMG Channel Islands Limited are sponsoring the CI Club Championship for two years.
JCA president Albert Brown said: ‘The expansion of inter-island competition is a welcome development in both islands.
Playing teams from the other island is always a welcome variation and the eventual winners of the CICC will have had to play well on a consistent basis to win what will be an extremely tough competition.
‘We are greatful to KPMG for their sponsorship and thank Aurigny for assisting with travel arrangements.’ KPMG Executive Director Charles Clark said: ‘As a CI firm we previously sponsored the CI side in the County 38s and we are delighted to assist CI cricket again.
It is clear new competition will be the pinnacle of club cricket in both islands and comes at a time when both are moving towards ICC membership with the exciting new international challenges that ICC competitions will bring.
‘An enhanced inter-island club competition can only help prepare top players in Jersey and Guernsey for those challenges as they step up to higher levels.’ Jersey champions Sporting Club host Guernsey Wanderers at Grainville tomorrow while Romerils entertain Cobo at FB1.
St Ouen and Old Victorians travel to Guernsey to face league champions Rovers and Optimists respectively.
All matches are 45-overs-a-side starting at 10.45 am.
Article posted on 23rd July, 2004 - 12.00am
Most Commented: