Following two fantastic wins in Grosseto against Italy Jersey have done more than enough to become an associate member of the ICC. On Friday they replied to the Italian's 266-7 score to win by an impressive 8 wickets, on Saturday it was much the same as they made their required 215 with 2.3 overs to spare, once again only losing 2 wickets. On Sunday, their third and final match ended in a draw after rain stopped play. Italy made 265-8, with Jersey replying on 28-0 after 8 overs when the weather closed in. The competition: Jersey's top cricketers were in Italy this weekend to competing to progress their application for associate membership of the International Cricket Council. To prove they are of a suitable standard to join the Council the Jersey side needed to win one out of the three one day series against the Italian national team, plus they were required to 'compete well' in one of the remaining two matches. Jersey have been allowed to play for ICC membership following their success in last year's European Cricket Council Division Two Championship. During the ECC competition they finished second, beating an ICC affiliated team in the process. Rules state that teams must have two victories over affiliated teams to earn membership into the Council; hence this weekend's matches against ICC associates Italy. Now Jersey have won they should be eligible to enter future ICC competitions, possibly even up to World Cup level (Bermuda are a smaller island than Jersey and are competing in this year's event). Sunday - Match 3 Draw - rain stopped play Saturday - Match 2 Jersey beat Italy by 8 wickets Friday - Match 1 Jersey beat Italy by 8 wickets The squad: Matthew Hague (captain), Chris Jones, Steve Carlyon, Tony Carlyon, Bobby Minty, Tom Minty, Peter Gough, Jonny Gough, Meeku Patidar, Peter Blackburn, Mark Saralis, Jamie Brewster, Ward Jenner and Ryan Driver will all be representing the island in Grossetto, which is 100 miles north of Rome. Chris Minty will also be travelling with the squad as will scorer Lynne Davis. |