Jersey U19s’ Steven Blackburn bowls to Scotland’s Freddie Coleman. Picture by Tony Pike (00742619)

JERSEY’S debut on the Division I stage in the ICC European Under-19 tournament was a good one despite an 18-run defeat by Scotland.

Winning the toss and putting the Scots in to bat at the Farmers’ Field looked a bad decision after six overs, when the Scots were at 60 without loss, but the hosts recovered well to restrict the 2008 champions to 217 all out in 47.2 of their allotted 50 overs.

Jersey appeared to be in trouble at 64 for four in their reply but a fine fifth-wicket partnership of 56 between Anthony Kay (60 off 88 deliveries) and Ben Stevens (48 off 62 balls) helped repair the damage. Tim de la Haye and Matt Hanley gave good support late on and Jersey finished on a respectable 199 for eight wickets.

Jersey manager Chris Minty said: ‘Coach Craig Hogan and I were delighted with the team’s performance; Scotland are a strong side and despite the defeat it was a really good effort. ‘Our fielding and catching was excellent. Ben Stevens’ second catch on the off-side was superb, how he got to the ball and then dived forward in front of him to hold it I just don’t know.’