FUTURE B inter-insulars have a lot to live up to after the inaugural fixture produced a cracking match yesterday in Guernsey.
Jersey claimed a four-run victory at the KGV Fields after Tom Minty kept his nerve to concede just one run off his final two deliveries.
The fact Guernsey came that close to victory was a great testament to the strength of character shown by Stuart Bisson and Tim Belton after a middle-order collapse, mainly instigated by some excellent bowling from Peter Blackburn, left Guernsey floundering at 61 for five chasing 219.
But credit to Jersey who backed up their bowlers extremely well in the field and worked as a unit to ensure Bisson, who finished unbeaten on 73, could not get the six runs he needed off the final two balls.
Earlier, man-of-the-match Dewhurst had laid the foundations for Jersey’s total.
Opener Danny Bertram had been removed with the second ball of the day bringing Dewhurst to the wicket and he showed a superb temperament as well as no end of quality strokes in his 137-ball innings which included 11 fours.
Dewhurst hit 77.
Tom Minty gave him useful support with 28 and at the end of the innings captain Nigel Crocker and Bobby Minty added an unbroken 75 with some terrific running between the wickets.
Jersey chairman of selectors David Gorman said: ‘It was a tremendous game and a fine win.
Peter Blackburn demonstrated what a good bowler he is with an exceptional display.
He bowled with consistency, penetration and all Guernsey’s batsmen found it difficult to deal with his left-arm over the wicket.
‘Nigel Crocker’s performance with bat and ball, along with his leadership of a young side, shows he has matured as a player.
His performance on the day was also exceptional.
‘There were too many individual performances to mention in a few words but the manner in which the side reacted to the intense pressure of the game was very encouraging for the future of Jersey cricket.
‘Cricket development officer Chris Minty should be extremely proud of what he has achieved with these young players to date.
‘The outstanding all-round display of Andy Dewhurst earned him the man-of-the-match award.
His 77 was a very composed knock which demonstrated a maturity beyond his years.
‘Particularly from a team point of view, Dewhurst made sure we didn’t lose any more wickets at key periods.
‘In terms of the game, the seventh-wicket partnership between Nigel Crocker and Bobby Minty turned the game our way.
A partnership of 75 runs at more than a run a ball turned a moderate looking total into a challenging total.
Jersey’s selectors will announce their A-team later this week.
Article posted on 26th July, 2004 - 12.00am
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