JERSEY men’s national cricketers are set to jet off this weekend to sunny La Manga to take on the Spanish national side in three T20 fixtures.
The trip provides the first opportunity for new head coach Paul Hutchison to see his troops in competitive action.
Flying out today, the Islanders will compete in a warm-up T20 match tomorrow afternoon, with two competitive T20I fixtures scheduled for the Sunday.
The new men’s head coach and interim director of Jersey Cricket, Hutchison said: “The talent is definitely there with this group.
“I’ve been on the Island for a few weeks now and I’ve been impressed so far.”
Although missing key players such as Asa Tribe, Josh Lawrenson and Nick Greenwood, the squad is bolstered with the inclusion of youth in the shape of Will Perchard and potential T20I debutant, 16-year-old Jack Kemp.
The fledgling Farmers all-rounder has impressed of late, both with his Island age-group, club and Jersey senior performances after he was called up for the championship week squad at the European Cricket Championships in October last year.
“Although we will be without some regulars this weekend, it’s a great chance for some younger lads to step up and show what they’ve got,” added the head coach.
“I want to see energy this weekend. I want us to use our age to our advantage and go push Spain hard.”
The former Yorkshire fast-bowler continued: “I expect us to be extremely competitive.
“With the first game tomorrow being a warm-up match, we’ll make sure we get everyone on the park and give them all a go.
“Then Chuggy [Perchard] and I will sit down that evening and pick our team for the Sunday competitive fixtures.
“These games are important and I expect us to treat them as such. I want us to get off to a winning start in this new cycle.
“We have a huge summer of competitions coming up this year and this weekend will be the first good chance we have as a group to get around each other and get back on the park.”
Saturday’s warm-up match is scheduled for a 4pm start, with the Sunday fixtures scheduled for 10am and 2.15pm. All timings are (GMT+2).
Jersey squad travelling to Spain: Chuggy Perchard (c), Dan Birrell, Dom Blampied, Charlie Brennan, Toby Britton, Harrison Carlyon, Patrick Gouge, Jonty Jenner, Jack Kemp, Will Perchard, George Richardson, Julius Sumerauer, Zak Tribe.
