Jersey cricketers lose heavily

Monday 31 October 2016

Jersey's side endured another setback, going down by six wickets to Denmark, their second loss in a row in the World Cricket League Division Four finals.

The Jersey team, captained by Peter Gough, could only score 158 all out in a little over 36 overs, a total which was easily knocked off by Denmark, for the loss of only four wickets.

Jersey lost the toss against Denmark, who won their opening match, in the second game of their six-nation group. The full scorecard is here 

Skipper Peter Gough and opener Nat Watkins gave Jersey a handy platform only for both to fall in quick succession to Bashir Shah's off spin.

Jersey's innings unravelled as Luke Gallichan and Jake Dunford went rapidly with four wickets falling for just 13 runs, leaving the Islanders on a perilous 87-5.

Jonny Jenner was trapped LBW which meant Jersey's hopes rested with renowned hitters Corey Bisson and Anthony Hawkins-Kay. The pair could not repeat their century partnership from Saturday against Oman as Bisson was caught at long-on for 27, while Kay went for 35. 

Kay's wicket and Ben Kynman's the following ball, meant Jersey had mustered only 158 all out, which never looked enough, although the Islanders made a reasonable start as Hawkins-Kay had former Warwickshire and Derbyshire batsman Freddie Kookier caught early on. 

Opener Aftab Ahmed fell for 29, but Jersey then struggled as Ahmad and Hamid Shah guided them past 100. The partnership was worth 83 before Shah tickled one behind off Ben Kynman, but it was too little, too late. 

Denmark remained in control with Ahmad finishing unbeaten on 67, taking Denmark to victory in only the 33rd over of the rain-afffected 40-over match. 

Three sides, hosts USA, Oman, and Denmark have won all of their games, while Jersey, Italy and Bermuda remain winless.

The tournament, in Los Angeles, lasts a week and Jersey must finish in the top two if their are to secure promotion to the World Cricket league Division Three. The bottom two sides will be relegated to Division Five. 

With Jersey having lost their opening two fixtures it is now an uphill struggle for Peter Gough's side to make the top two places in their group and the focus will now be on keeping their current Division Four status, starting with tomorrow's clash against the Italians.