Dean Morrison batting for Jersey yesterday against the Netherlands. Picture: ROB CURRIE (01009895)

THE Jersey Cricket Board moved two points clear at the top of the ICC European Division I yesterday following a third consecutive victory on their début in the top flight.

A 77-run win against the Netherlands at the FB Fields retained the hosts’ 100 per cent record in the tournament and with today’s opponents Scotland losing to Italy by seven runs, Jersey sit proudly on top of the six-team group with two matches each remaining.

Ireland yesterday bounced back from Wednesday’s defeat by Jersey to beat Demark by 138 runs and as a result they joint Scotland on four points in joint second place.

Jersey are playing Scotland A today at the Farmer’s Field in St Martin.

Both Scotland’s and Ireland’s games were eventually decided on the Duckworth/Lewis scoring system, after mid-afternoon rain, while Jersey and the orange-clad Netherlands did have to leave the field but were able to return earlier and therefore play out a full 50-overs-a-side match.

Captain Peter Gough was named Jersey’s man-of-the-match yesterday after top scoring with 57 runs and then taking three catches. Gough, who struck six fours, featured in a 60-run fifth-wicket partnership with Chris Jones and then a 65-run sixth-wicket partnership with Sam de la Haye.

Gough, who faced 58 deliveries, was sixth man out when he was dismissed by a diving catch from Adeel Raja after Gough flicked the ball to fine leg.

Jersey got two early Netherlands wickets but the Dutch got back on an even keel with a 63-run third wicket stand between Raja and Tim Gruijters.

Jersey then restricted their opponents to a further 46 runs between the 22nd and 37th overs. Ryan Driver then returned to take three wickets in two overs and with two wickets from Tom Minty and Chris Jones’s second victim the match was over.

The Netherlands, chasing 237 to win, were all out for 159 in 46.3 with Jersey capturing their last five wickets for 19 runs.

Jersey coach Craig Hogan said: ‘We’re two points clear, everyone is delighted but we know there is a lot of cricket to be played yet starting with Scotland A.

‘Today’s win was without doubt the best win by a Jersey side since I have been involved as a coach.

‘We were under the pump a couple of times and we’ve been working hard on what to do when things get tight and we did that well today.

‘We lost two wickets and scored around 14 runs in one ten-over spell and in the past when we have done that we have really struggled after.

‘But today we consolidated a bit and then Peter Gough got us going again and that was pleasing. We had three or four good partnerships and that helped keep things together.

‘With the ball we have been bowling together in pairs and helping build the pressure for each other. Ryan [Driver] bowled beautifully today; as well as I have seen him bowl since I have been here.

‘He has been very unlucky not to have taken more wickets and today he got his just reward. Since he gave the captaincy away he is doing very well and everyone is delighted for him.

‘Peter Gough’s knock was lovely; he came in when the team was under pressure and he got the momentum going again. He has a great pair of hands too, he took three good catches and his captaincy is getting better with every game.

‘He is still learning the job of being captain but it is good to see he knows how to absorb the pressure and when to create it.

‘We look forward to the challenge of Scotland A now and we know it is going to be another tough game. We are doing well and everyone wants to keep that going.

‘I know I’m repeating myself but we can only control the things we are in control of and if we can achieve that then results will look after themselves.’

Scotland manager Andy Tennant said: ‘We are disappointed to have lost to Italy today but full credit to them they played the better cricket and therefore they deserved their success.

‘We came to Jersey hoping to win this tournament and after two good wins we have now suffered a defeat.

‘The Jersey match is a cup final for us now; it is a game we have to win if we are to have any chance of winning the tournament.

‘Jersey are a good side and I’ve not been surprised by their results. There is a lot of good talent on the Island; I have seen some of it coming through the age groups.

‘Matches with Jersey at all level are competitive and I expect this game to be no different.’

Jersey’s match against Scotland A at the Farmer’s Field in St Martin starts at 10.45 am.