The build-up to the ICC Europe Division Two Championship has begun. The Isle of Man joins five other nations to compete in the Tournament next week in Essex.
Last week the squad were presented with their blazers by former England manager Bob Bennett. This was at a splendid reception which was attended by sponsors Martin Young and Ged Power from IOM Golf Tours and Phil Taylor, proprietor of 14North.
Bob made an impressive speech describing the importance of such awards and wishing everybody well for their games. Barry Smith, president of the IOMCA, gave an inspirational talk to the players on the honour of representing their country.
The squad is:- Phil Littlejohns (capt) (Peel and St John’s), Wicus Wessels, Gareth Morris (Castletown), Sam Kebbell, Adam Killey, Max Stokoe, Alex Stokoe, Luke Lacey, Adam McAuley (Cronkbourne), Greg Hawke, Ollie Webster, Akkie van den Berg, Chris Hawke (Peel and St John’s) and Danny Kniveton (Crosby).
The Tour Manager will be Colin Jones and the coach is Phil Unsworth.
On Friday the Island have two T20 matches against the visiting MCC party. These are at Tromode, starting at 11am and 3pm.
On Saturday the team fly to England and on Sunday play a warm-up fixture against Hadleigh and Thundersley, one of the leading sides in the Essex league.
The Tournament starts the next day with the IOM’s opening game against Norway at the Essex County Ground at Chelmsford under floodlights. This will be a big test for the Manx who have not played before under lights.
On Tuesday morning the IOM go to Billericay to face Germany in the morning and Belgium during the afternoon. Wednesday is the official re4st day, which will be used if bad weather prevents play on the opening days.
The final fixtures are on Thursday with the Manx having a 10am start against Austria at Southend. Then it is back to Billericay for a 3pm meeting with Gibraltar, who are now run by former Island coach Gareth Dawson.
The side return to the Island on Friday afternoon.
[Maurice Trace]
