JERSEY’s men have become accustomed to big-stage cricket in recent years, but the prospect of an away inter-insular adds its own level of pressure.
The Caesareans have patiently waited for three years to face the Sarnians again, and captain Chuggy Perchard insists the tie still holds ‘huge significance’.
Neil MacRae’s side were due to begin their 2022 T20 tri-series battle with Guernsey this afternoon, ahead of back-to-back clashes at the KGV tomorrow.
‘The contest is steeped in history and has always been a massive fixture on the calendar,’ he said.
‘Regardless of the schedule we have this summer, the occasion is not lost on us.’
Jersey enjoyed great success over their rivals prior to the pandemic, winning the last T20 series 3-0 in 2019 to stretch their run of victories over their neighbours to ten in all formats.
Since then, the Caesareans have continued to climb the world T20I rankings and they currently sit at an all-time high of 22nd.
The squad selected is youthful, but one which boasts a wealth of international cricket experience.
Even youngsters Asa Tribe (18) and Charlie Brennan (16) have earned caps at senior level during the senior side’s dream unbeaten run through the European ICC World Cup Qualifier in Spain last year.
Tribe has also been impressing for Farmers Caesareans during the opening few weeks of the Weekend League Premier 40. The De La Salle student scored a remarkable 186 off just 137 deliveries in their league against Walkovers to lead Farmers to a 142 run victory.
Meanwhile, Brennan has been making waves across several sports; captaining Jersey’s under-16s to footballing victory away in Guernsey while breaking into the men’s cricket team.
Perchard said: ‘They are well worth their place in the squad.
‘Both have put some impressive performances in for their club teams and hopefully they will go over and show off their talent, because they are seriously great players.
‘I think we have a great youthful team, but one with plenty of experience at the same time.
‘We know the crowd will be loud and hostile, which adds an additional amount of pressure, but they are the moments that we live for and we are all excited to get going.
‘The fact that we don’t play each other as much nowadays in tournament cricket probably makes it mean more.
‘We have a huge year ahead so it’s vital that we keep that momentum going with a win this weekend.
‘The series is a free hit for Guernsey, so we are prepared for the fact they will be right up for it.’
The first fixture was due to begin at 4pm today, at College Field in Guernsey, with tomorrow’s games set for 10.45am and 2.30pm starts.
Jersey: Chuggy Perchard, Dan Birrell, Dom Blampied, Charlie Brennan, Harrison Carlyon, Jake Dunford, Nick Greenwood, Jonty Jenner, Elliot Miles, Rhys Palmer, Julius Sumerauer, Asa Tribe.
Guernsey: Joshua Butler, Matthew Stokes, Isaac Damarell, Ben Ferbrache, Luke Le Tissier, Anthony Stokes, Thomas Nightingale, William Peatfield, Luke Bichard, Declan Martel, Oliver Newey, Ben Johnson, David Hooper, Oliver Nightingale.
