Jersey were originally due to start their competition today but their schedule was revised yesterday, at the last minute, as a result of Gibraltar’s equipment going astray on Saturday at Gatwick Airport.
Mark Chipperfield was the star of Jersey’s innings hitting an unbeaten 115 from 98 balls including 14 boundaries.
Batting at four, Chipperfield – who scored 108 against Lord’s Taverners Buccaneers earlier this summer – featured in half-century partnerships with Edward Farley (36), Richard Blackburn (29) and Thomas Gibbs (16) as Jersey piled on the runs.
And as the Italian bowlers tired late on, Chipperfield, Anthony Kay and Nick Baxter took 87 runs off the final ten overs.
Jersey’s total also benefited from 49 wides in a total of 66 extras.
Chipperfield took the first Italian wicket to fall, in the second over, before Fida Hussain and Alessandro Merlo steadied matters with a 64-run second-wicket partnership.
It was Blackburn who eventually secured the breakthrough, and wickets then fell quickly as Italy slumped from 70 for one to 99 for five.
Luis di Giglio and Dylan Sarnelli added 40 for the sixth wicket, but with Blackburn coming back to finish with three for 37 and James Perchard taking two for 21, the Italians were never really in the hunt and Jersey won by 137 runs.
A great Jersey win but they too will be concerned having conceded 34 wides and 15 no balls in 44.3 overs.
Jersey captain Tom Wherry said: ‘It was quite unexpected to win so well but it was a bonus to be playing as we were down for a rest day! ‘But it was good to get the tournament under way and win.
We had a solid start and Mark played a massive part in our success with his innings and congratulations to him.
‘The new regulations on wides are quite tough so it was a learning experience for us yesterday as well.
We performed confidently with the bat and we will look to improve on both our general fielding and our bowling for our next game.’ Centurian Chipperfield said: ‘I really enjoyed the innings, the pitch was very good and I was relaxed playing on it.
The team had a good start so when I went in I felt no pressure on me.
‘It’s my second century this summer and this one is the more satisfying of the two because it’s come in an international tournament.
‘There may be a bit more pressure now I’ve done well but I’m hopeful I can get some more runs for the team during the week.’ Jersey manager Chris Minty said: ‘Considering we were not due to play yesterday everything went really well after assembling the squad together quickly.
‘It’s a great result but we won’t get carried away as we have one or two things to work on.
Yes there were quite a few extras, there is now a painted line 17 inches outside the off stump and anything outside of this is called a wide.
‘It’s good for everyone and we’ve already spoken about it and will working hard to reduce our extras in our next game.’
