FARMERS CRICKET CLUB are primed and ready to make the most of a ‘dream opportunity’ next week, when they begin their bid to be crowned the best team in Europe.
Led by captain James Perchard, the 2021 Brooks Macdonald Weekend League winners are due to depart for Spain tomorrow to take part in the European Cricket League – a franchise that has enjoyed exponential growth on an international scale since its formation in 2018.
The Jersey Cricket Board struck a partnership with the ECL in 2020 to guarantee Island champions an invite to the continental finals the following year. As a result, Farmers are set to receive global media exposure as one of 32 domestic title holders taking part in the competition.
The 2022 tournament began four weeks ago with Group A fixtures in Malaga and for Farmers, drawn into Group E, it is almost time to make history as Jersey’s first representatives.
All travel and accommodation expenses have been covered by the ECL and the competition boasts extensive coverage via its website and dedicated app, with player and match stats accompanying multi-camera, live feeds, video highlights and expert commentary.
‘It’s extremely exciting,’ said Perchard. ‘We’ve been watching all the group phases with eager anticipation and we just want to get there. Not long now, until it’s our turn to show what we can do.
‘We have had an intensive training programme, thanks to De La Salle for letting us use their facilities, and I think the boys are in good shape to be competitive.’
The six group winners will progress to finals week, which is being held immediately after the conclusion of Group E, from 11-14 March. Farmers are due to face Spanish champions Pak i Care Badalona, Malo CC [Portugal], GEK Corfu [Greece], Punjab Lions Nicosia [Cyprus] and Dutch-league runners-up HBC Craeyenhout. VOC Rotterdam were crowned European champions in 2019, landing the Netherlands an extra qualification spot for the 2022 event.
‘Only one team qualifies from each group so you only need to come up against one other strong team to put a cropper to your ambitions,’ Perchard explained. ‘I think there are a couple of sides in our group – the Dutch and the Spanish – who could be quite threatening.
‘We’re certainly not scared but, given the format of T10, it can be anyone’s game on the day. We need to do the basic things right and hope a little bit of luck goes our way as well. If the stars align, hopefully we’ll come out on top.
‘Logistically, it has been a huge challenge being in Group E, with annual leave and some of the boys being at school and trying to organise two weeks off. We have a 14-man squad but if we do make it through some will be flying home and others will be flying out to join us [for the finals]. We’re quite badly disadvantaged, being in the last group, but we do have a lot of good cricketers at the club and if we do make it through I’d still be confident.
‘It has been great to get the club together over winter and have something positive to focus on. It’s a dream opportunity for us.’
Farmers have also recruited well in recent months, with Jersey all-rounder Jonty Jenner – an OVs player – agreeing to join them in a coaching capacity for the tournament.
‘It’s so good having someone with Jonty’s credentials acting as coach for the club,’ said Perchard. ‘He’s brought a great level of professionalism and enthusiasm and his game is really well suited to the T10 format. He’s an excellent fielder and he’s one of Jersey’s most explosive batsmen; what more would you want from a coach?’
The Caesareans begin their campaign with a clash against Craeyenhout on Monday morning, before meeting Punjab Lions and Badalona on Tuesday.
