Guernsey dominate Gibraltar to win by 141 runs

Le Prevost said batting partnerships had been key to the victory

Hosts Guernsey dominated their first match in the ICC European Division Two Championship beating Gibraltar by 141 runs at KGV on Tuesday.

Guernsey elected to bat and put on 264-4 in 50 overs, despite two batsman going out for ducks.

In response Gibraltar struggled to get started with the loss of the first three wickets for nine runs.

All six Guernsey bowlers took at least one wicket to see the visitors all out for 123 in 43.0 overs.

Opening batsman Lee Savident, who was bowled as he was nine away from a century, top scored for the hosts.

"I managed to miss a straight one on 91, which is a bit disappointing, but there we go we got the win and that's the important thing," he said.

We've put partnerships together batting, which is one thing we stressed we definitely need to do and we've done it well Stuart Le Prevost

"It's an ideal way to set it up, obviously with the thought of weather around to get such a big win helps the net run rate so that might help us later in the tournament."

Guernsey captain Stuart Le Prevost got 68 not out, Jeremy Frith 51, Tom Kimber 42 not out, but both Ross Kneller and Tim Ravenscroft went out for a duck.

Le Prevost said: "You can't blame batsman for getting ducks, especially doing things they do week-in week-out. If someone comes out and plays a stupid shot while he's on nought then you do have a bit of a problem.

"It's more encouraging to see guys who get to 20 and 30 go on to get 50 or in Lee's case 90, rather than guys getting ducks as anyone can get ducks really.

"We try and go into each game exactly the same, the same preparation, the same things before the game and it's paid off today. We've put partnerships together batting, which is one thing we stressed we definitely need to do and we've done it well."

Ravenscroft took two wickets during his five overs

When it came to bowling it was an excellent team performance with the wickets shared out easily; Frith, Andrew Hutchinson and Ravenscroft taking two each, while Jamie Nussbaumer, Gary Rich and Jonny Warr took one apiece

With the other two matches close affairs Guernsey's net run rate sets them up well after the first day.

Germany beat France by five runs after scoring 172-9 off 50 overs and bowling their opponents all out for 167 in 48.5 overs.

Norway won by three runs after batting to 204 all out off 49 overs and bowling Israel out just short on 201 in 49.5 overs.

Guernsey's next opponents are Israel, who they will play at Port Soif on Wednesday.