The Isle of Man turned in some fine performances against top class opposition when they played three T20 games as part of their preparation for the ICC Europe Tournament at the end of next month.

 

Visiting Lancashire last week, the Manx faced county cricketers and some of the best club players in the North. The experience was invaluable and will greatly benefit the squad. 

 

In their first match the Island lost by only four runs at Ormskirk. The home side made 104 for 4 with tight bowling pinning down their batsmen. Max Stokoe led the reply with a robust 29 and Danny Kniveton hit a quick 17.

 

At 95 for 4 the Island was on course for victory, but Shaun Brocken wrecked their hopes with a devastating spell. He put down three exceptional overs to return four wickets for just eight runs to gain a narrow victory for his team. 

 

On Friday at Southport, the Isle of Man made 125 for 4 against a powerful Liverpool Under 21 team. They were skippered by Matt McKiernan, a regular Lancashire second eleven member and included three other players who are currently playing county second eleven cricket this year.

 

Batting first the Isle of Man posted 125 with Wicus Wessels smashing 39, Luke Lacey 28 and skipper Phil Littlejohns 26. Liverpool lost an early wicket to Alex Stokoe, but were then boosted by a splendid 61 not out from McKiernan who guided his side home for the loss of three wickets.

 

Another match against a very strong Ormskirk eleven saw the English team end on 139 for 8. Gary Knight, who cracked 47, has already played for Northants this season and is a regular with Glamorgan second eleven. Good bowling resulted in two wickets each for Max Stokoe, Ollie Webster and Luke Lacey. 

 

The Island made a spirited chase for victory with opener Gareth Morris hitting a lively 19. However hopes fell with the total on 63 for 6 with Dane Currency, who is in the Barbados side, taking 3 for 11. Alex Stokoe then led a spirited revival with an excellent 34 not out. In a final dash for victory, Akkie van den Berg belted a massive six in his innings of 15, but the side fell short by just 14 runs.

 

The trip was not about stats and results, but gaining experience and know-how at a very high level. The team now has specific areas to work on in the coming weeks that will improve their abilities. As such the games were a success and credit goes to the Manx squad for their enthusiasm and hard work.

 

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It is Showdown Sunday in the Standard Bank Premiership when the two unbeaten sides clash at King William's College.

 

Peel and St John's lead the table with 67 points. This is 19 more than second placed Castletown, but they have a game in hand. This match has all the makings of a classic encounter.

 

The Saints' batsmen are on fire with Greg Hawke in awesome form. So far this season he has notched up scores of 74, 76 and 63. That final innings came in the Standard Bank T20 Cain match between these two teams which saw the Castletown bowlers hit for more than ten an over. 

 

They will need to improve on that if they are to halt the Saints moving closer to the title. Their cause will not be helped by the absence of skipper Mark Williams. However last Saturday in the Premiership they ran up 154 for 1 with John Short smashing 85. A repeat showing on Sunday would really boost the Town.

 

Champions Cronkbourne travel to Crosby knowing that they must win to keep in the title hunt. They had a big scare last week when they just managed to beat bottom placed Ramsey by two wickets. The Marown side are no push over and the Douglas team will need to be at their best to take the points.

 

Valkyres will also be looking for all 20 points when they meet Ramsey at Tromode. The northern fight-back against Cronkbourne shows that there is a great spirit and determination in their side. Valkyres beware! 

 

RESULTS

 

Island Games

Ormskirk 104 for 4 (Michael Jones 55, Owen Griffith 35 : Akkie van den Berg 1 -14, Ollie Webster 1 -18, Greg Hawke 1 -20); Isle of Man 10 0 for 7 (Max Stokoe 47, Danny Kniveton 17, Luke Lacey 16 : Shaun Brocken 4 -8, Ed Hall 2 -14). Ormskirk won by four runs.

Isle of Man 125 for 4 (Wicus Wessels 39, Luke Lacey 28, Phil Littlejohns 26 : Sam Rotheram 1 -12); Liverpool Under 21s 129 for 3 (Matt McKernan 61no, Sam Lucas 27 : Ollie Webster 2 -21, Alex Stokoe 1 -18). Liverpool won by seven wickets.

Ormskirk 139 for 8 (Gary Knight 47no, Andy Baybutt 33 : Max Stokoe 2 -21, Ollie Webster 2 -26); Isle of Man 125 for 9 (Alex Stokoe 34no, Gareth Morris 19, Akkie van den Berg 15 : Dave Carpenter 3 -10, Tom Hartley 2 -13). Ormskirk won by 14 runs.

 

Under 12 Junior League

Castletown v Ramsey : Match Abandoned (rain) – new date to be agreed.