THE Jersey Cricket Board take a step into the unknown on Thursdayday when they make their competitive international début against Israel in the European Cricket Council Division II Championship in Glasgow, Scotland.

Jersey also play Group B matches against Norway and France with the top two sides progressing to the semi-finals where they will meet either Guernsey, Germany, Gibraltar or Greece from Group A.

The group winners will then face the opposing group’s runners-up in the semis, before the final, to be held at Glasgow Accies’ ground, on Wednesday 9 August.

Team manager Dave Gorman, when asked whether he thought there might be any political protests going on in Scotland, or any disruption to the match, with the current situation between Israel and Lebanon, said: ‘The JCB has obviously been aware of difficulties in the Middle East, because we had to cancel the Youth cricket tour to Israel some time ago.

Although we are sensitive to what’s going on there, we are not anticipating any problems in Scotland.

I’d be surprised if we see anything going on – but if we do I hope it is not marked or significant.’ Preparation for the tournament, Jersey’s first competitive outing since joining the ICC, began at the end of last season when a squad of Island-based players was selected for regular indoor sessions over the winter.

The final squad of 14 was selected from those players and other talented Island cricketers who are studying at university.

The squad is: Mathew Hague (captain), Bobby Minty (wicketkeeper), Chris Jones, Peter Gough, Ian Crocker, Tony Carlyon, Mark Saralis, Nigel Crocker, Pete Blackburn, Jonny Gough, Dave Morfee, Jamie Brewster, Tom Minty and Andy Dewhurst.

The official party for Glasgow also includes: development officer Chris Minty in his role as director, Ryan Driver (coach), Lynne Davis (scorer), Mike Carpenter (umpire), Dave Gorman (team manager), Keith Dennis (tour manager/chairman of JCB) and Ward Jenner (deputy chairman of JCB).

Full preview in today’s JEP.