Jersey's men dominate rain-shortened cricket inter-insular
Jersey have retained the men's T20 inter-insular title with an impressive 2-0 triumph over rivals Guernsey in a rain-affected series at Farmers Field.
What had been slated as a three-match contest, was abruptly cut short to two games when the heavens opened just after lunchtime on Saturday. By then, though, there was already no way back for the visitors.
The series kicked off on Friday evening, on a day where temperatures hit nearly 30c, with Guernsey posting 134-6 after winning the toss and opting to bat first. In response, openers Harrison Carlyon and Charlie Brennan put on a brilliant 100 partnership inside 12 overs to see off the bulk of the run chase. Brennan finished on 67 not out as the home side reached the target with nearly five overs to spare, winning by seven wickets.
In match two, on Saturday morning, Jersey were again in the field first, this time after winning the toss and inserting the Sarnians. Skipper Chuggy Perchard claimed 3-31, as Ben Fitchet top-scored with 37 in a Guernsey total of 151-9.
Brennan wasn't able to repeat his knock from the previous evening, falling in the second over, bowled by Luke Bichard. Neil MacRae's side looked to be struggling at 88-5 after 11 overs. But Carlyon again impressed (this time batting in the middle order) with 41 not out in an unbroken seventh wicket stand of 49 with Dom Blampied to see Jersey home for a four-wicket win, with six balls remaining.
At 2-0 with one match still to play, the trophy was assured for Jersey and attention turned to the potential of a 3-0 whitewash. At Headingley, meanwhile, the rain was frustrating supporters who'd been eagerly anticipating a crucial third day of the third Ashes test. No or very little play likely there in Yorkshire, and in contrast to the scorching hot preceding day in Jersey, there was to be no further action at Farmers. Between game two and three, down came the rain. Heavy rain. With puddles on the outfield there was no prospect of play and that was it for the day.
The win for Jersey's men follows an equally impressive 3-0 T20 series win for the island's women over their Guernsey counterparts last month at KGV.
