Defeating hosts USA, the eventual winners, by one run gave the Islanders a glimmer of hope of avoiding the drop but with Italy also winning by a narrow margin, Jersey were relegated on net run-rate behind Bermuda.
‘To be relegated is disappointing but we’ve done well by winning three of our last four matches and one of them against the USA,’ said coach Neil MacRae.
Reflecting on the final two games, he added: ‘The USA game was incredible, they needed 25 runs to win with two overs to go and with wickets in hand. Some very good batting took 19 runs off the penultimate over before the boys regrouped well for Chuggy Perchard’s last over. For Chuggy to produce the over he did to defend six runs was really pleasing.’
Corey Bisson (242) finished as leading run scorer in the tournament and Nat Watkins took third (223). Captain Peter Gough’s contribution over the week has made him the leading run scorer in World Cricket League history.
More reaction in Monday’s JEP.
