- Island set to host international twenty20 tournament
- JCB chief executive says it’s always an honour to host such an event
- Two Jersey players give their views ahead of Saturday’s start
- Follow comprehensive coverage of the tournament in the Jersey Evening Post and on this website
AS one of just five players in the current squad to have represented Jersey in both of their previous ICC European Division I campaigns, strike bowler Anthony Kay is somewhat of a veteran in the current Island side.
The bowling all-rounder performed admirably in the 2011 tournament on home soil – finishing as the Island side’s top wicket taker – and was an influential figure at the subsequent competition at Brighton & Hove two years later, where he took eight wickets.
At stake over the next five days is a place in July’s qualifier for the 2016 twenty20 World Cup – afforded only to the team that wins Division I. Head coach Neil MacRae has constantly voiced his desire to lead the Islanders to that tournament in Ireland and Scotland, and Kay says Jersey are better prepared than ever to realise that ambition.
‘I think we can go one better than we have in the past,’ said the 24-year-old.
‘We are a more experienced side now, having played a lot more twenty20 cricket.
‘Four years ago we had a mixture of players in our team, including some very young players – 17, 18, 19. Now these players have been around the squad for a number of years, are coming into their mid-20s and are what you’d call in the prime of their cricketing careers.
‘I also think all of us having the experience in the last two tournaments should help us. We’ve definitely got enough quality in this team; we just need to perform to the levels we know we can.’
Following a change in the European Division I tournament structure since the last running in 2013, there will be no semi-finals or final, with only the team that tops the group securing a place at the world qualifier.
Jersey begin their quest to book a spot at that global event with back-to-back fixtures against Norway and Italy at Farmer’s Field tomorrow and, with the new format in place, Kay says his team must be quick out of the blocks.
‘Every game is effectively a cup final in this round robin competition and if you lose one, you’re immediately on the back foot, so it’s vitally important to get off to a good start.
‘It’s key that we get a good start and that match with Norway is all we’re focusing on at the moment.’
He added: ‘In T20 you need to go in with an attacking mentality. If you let the bowler dictate to you, then they will get through a lot of overs bowling dot balls … we’ll be going in with a positive mentality to try and hit every ball.
‘One thing we have worked on, since our experience two years ago, is how to tackle people bowling flat spin at us, which is where we came up short against Italy at the semi-final in Hove. We’ve been working all winter against that so we know how to score.’
While last year’s training was all geared towards 50-over cricket, as Jersey contested two World Cricket League tournaments, since January the Reds have been working hard on specific skills that are appropriate in the shorter form of the game.
Kay continued: ‘We’ve looked at where we can hit sixes and also how to manipulate the field as a batsman.
‘We’ve learned from that and it showed us exactly how to manipulate the field to our advantage through a variety of shots.’
On playing at home, the former St Michael’s and Cheltenham College student concluded: ‘It’s an environment we’re comfortable in.
‘There is always pressure when you play at home but I think it will benefit us as having people cheering you on always brings out the best in a Jersey side.’
THE outfields have been freshly mown, the squares have been rolled and the Island is ready and waiting to welcome several of the top nations from across the continent for what the Jersey Cricket Board hope will be a ‘tremendous’ five days of international competition.
Perhaps more excited than anybody is JCB chief executive officer Chris Minty, who says it’s always a proud moment for Jersey cricket whenever they host ICC-sanctioned international tournaments.
There’s no doubt that the world governing body looks favourably on the largest of the Channel Islands as an excellent host nation for some of it’s most prestigious events as, in recent years, Jersey has staged two World Cricket League tournaments, joint-hosted European Division I in 2011 with Guernsey and is now set to accommodate the latest European T20 qualifier.
Minty believes it is a real coup for Jersey cricket to again be hosting a tournament of such distinction.
‘We’re always delighted to be selected to host these events,’ he said.
‘It’s an opportunity to showcase the fantastic facilities we have here, as well as promote the Island as a good venue for sporting events.
‘I think we have shown over the years we have a good, solid administration in place and we are able to back that up with excellent facilities.
‘The infrastructure makes Jersey pretty ideal, in terms of hotels and amenities and, whereas in other countries you may have to travel miles and miles to venues, it is relatively easy here.’
In a tiny Island such as Jersey, Islanders are extremely fortunate to be able to watch high-quality sports teams competing at national level on a regular basis, with the exploits of JRFC and netball’s Team Jets undoubtedly capturing the imagination.
However, tournaments such as European Division I provide locals with a rare opportunity to observe the Island competing as a nation on the continental – and sometimes global – stage.
Minty added: ‘We would really appreciate local support, as we always do. It makes a huge amount of difference to the players and, although we understand that it is an extremely busy weekend, we hope people can spare a little time to come and cheer Jersey on.’
With genuine belief in the ability of the current squad and coaches, Minty says Jersey are very capable of winning the tournament; an achievement he envisages would eclipse the success of former Island sides.
‘It only requires one or two decent individual performances in twenty20 cricket and a game can completely turn. If we are able to produce those kind of performances, I’ve got every confidence that we can win the tournament.
‘For a country as small as Jersey, it would be a massive achievement to reach the global qualifier but it’s something we are capable of achieving.
‘It would mean we would be performing on the global stage … winning World Cricket League tournaments has been fantastic but, if we could win this tournament, it would be a step above anything else.’
TWO-TIME winner of the Jersey Evening Post Young Cricketer of the Year Award Rhys Palmer is one of three teenagers in the current Jersey squad.
Now, the young off-spinner is set to make his first appearance for the Reds at an ICC-sanctioned international tournament – and it’s an occasion he is thoroughly looking forward to.
‘I’m definitely excited to be playing at home and to have all my friends and family up here – I hope I can make them proud, playing for my country,’ he said.
On his emotions ahead of the tournament, he continued: ‘I’m really confident. We had a good weekend in Holland last month, I got a couple of wickets and took some of the key players out so I’m confident, and I’ve got confidence in the team.
‘We want to win the tournament and get through to the next stage but on a personal level, I want to take as many wickets as I can and help the lower order of batting if and when I’m needed.
‘I hope I can bring a lot of control with my bowling. If the opposition are getting away, then I hope I can be an accurate bowler, stump to stump to slow their rate.’
Top wicket taker in the 2013 NatWest Premier Division season, Palmer was first invited to train with the senior squad just over 12 months ago. During that time, the Barclays employee says he’s learned a huge amount from those around him.
‘The senior players in this squad have a lot of experience and they have given me some quality advice. They are all really nice guys and they help me whenever I ask, which makes me feel really comfortable about representing Jersey.’
With only one of Jersey’s players aged 30 or over (captain Peter Gough), the Island squad is packed full of youthful exuberance; a feature that Palmer thinks could benefit the host nation.
‘We’ve got a lot of young guys in this team which is great. Youth is the way forward, in my opinion, and if you’re good enough, you are old enough. Young guys bring a lot of energy to the team which can be really important in twenty20 cricket … it could be crucial to us winning this tournament.
‘We’re a really energetic team and fielding – an area where we excel – is a big part of T20 cricket.
‘This tournament is a massive chance for us, probably our best chance to play in bigger tournaments. The key will be to play positive and aggressive cricket and give it our all.’
