Buoyed by their 73-run victory over a Middlesex XI on Sunday, Neil MacRae’s men are in fine form as they look to transfer up to 50 overs after a memorable display at last month’s Twenty20 World Cup Qualifier in Ireland.
That shift up to the longer format does indeed take time, but the head coach is more than happy with his side’s progress as they approach an away-day encounter in Guernsey.
‘The Middlesex game was something we needed before Guernsey,’ said MacRae. ‘It was the first 50 over game we’ve played … we’ve had a lot of success in Twenty20 this summer, but it’s good to get back to 50 before the inter-insular.
‘There’s certainly signs that we’re making that transition with the bat and that’s something we’ll continue to work on. Most of the batsmen look in good touch, so we can expect some good scores this weekend.’
Peter Gough and Co – or more specifically Anthony Kay – produced another bowling/fielding masterclass on Sunday at Merchant Taylor’s School; restricting Middlesex to 105 as they attempted to surpass the Islanders’ final tally of 178. Kay grabbed six wickets for just 24 runs from his eight overs after Corey Bisson had top-scored with the bat (42).
‘We did exceptionally well with the new ball,’ MacRae added. ‘Anthony had one of the best spells he’ll ever bowl for Jersey. He and Ben Kynman were in good rhythm and the three spinners, Ben Stevens, Rhys Palmer and Elliot Miles, backed them up well. It’s a very effective bowling unit and we’ve been sharp in the field. It’s all going in the right direction.’
