Eurowrap: Six centuries in Guernsey plus action from Finland and Switzerland

In this week’s Eurowrap, we have the results of domestic cricket action in Guernsey, Finland, and Switzerland.

Guernsey

The runs continued to flow in the third round of the 50-Over Championship in Guernsey. This weekend’s fixtures saw Old Elizabethans take on Canaccord Griffins at College Field, whilst Wanderers Irregulars took on Cobo at King George V.

At King George V, Cobo won and elected to field. Ben Wetzel and Lucas Barker got the Irregulars off to a bright start, making 40 for the first wicket. But when Wetzel was dismissed, Barker pushed on to compile an impressive 125. Cobo were able to claim regular wickets in the 2^nd half of the innings, Will Peatfield the pick with three for 50. But late hitting Gashirai Masvikeni (33) and James Vorster (16) meant the Irregulars were able to post 265/8 at halfway.

Vorster would pick off where he left off with the bat, claiming both of Cobo’s openers to leave the score 9/2. Cobo looked a long way behind when the fourth wicket fell with the score on 68. But cue Will Peatfield: the allrounder hammered 13 fours in his 109-ball 130. It looked at one stage as if Peatfield would take Cobo to their first win of the season, however he was dismissed by Harry Duke with the score 245/8. A tense finish ultimately saw Cobo 9 runs short, bowled out for 256 in the 48^th over.

Meanwhile, it was a tale of four centuries at College Field. Griffins won the toss and elected to chase. After his single-handed heroics two weeks ago, Matt Stokes picked up where he left off. Alongside Charlie Birch (120), Stokes made 121 as Elizabethans reached 254/0 in the 46^th over. But there would be no flourish – a late collapse saw Elizabethans kept to 283/5 at the break.

But the Griffins’ openers would find things just as enjoyable as their Elizabethan counterparts. Nathan Le Tissier (105*) and Luke Le Tissier (147) made things look easy as the cruised towards the target. Luke Le Tissier was out caught with the scores tied, Matt Stokes the bowler. But number three Matt Philip would need not face a ball, Nathan Le Tissier wrapping up proceedings the following ball to give Griffins a 9-wicket win. Griffins top the table, remaining unbeaten.

Finland

The last week has seen domestic cricket return to Finland. The Finnish Premier League T20 began last Monday, with matches played throughout the week and weekend. 2019 Champions Helsinki CC are off to a perfect start, winning all three of their opening games. First up, they defeated Bengal Tigers by 18 runs. They then beat Greater Helsinki by 22 runs on Saturday, and a dominant 8-wicket win over Vantaa on Monday.

At the other end of the table are defending champions Helsinki Gymkhana. Gymkhana have lost both of their opening games. First, they lost to newly promoted Turku United CC by four wickets. They then lost against Vantaa by 8 wickets on Saturday. With a 14-match season ahead of them, there is still opportunity to regain their title-winning form, and they will be encouraged by memories of winning last year’s playoffs despite only finishing 4^th in the league stage.

Switzerland

Cricket returned to Switzerland after an extended off-season. Competition resumed in the 40-Over Premier League, part of a restructured league in the prospective member. Of the eight teams in the Premier League, four began their campaigns on Sunday.

2020 runners-up St. Gallen CC started with a trip to play Power Winterthur. Despite being bowled out inside 38 overs, St. Gallen were able to post 184. Power were bowled out for 134 in reply, to give St Gallen a 50 run win.

Sunday’s other match saw Cossonay host Zurich Nomads. Cossonay batted first but could only make 159 all out in 38 overs. The Nomads made light work of the chase, winning by 9-wickets with 16 overs to spare, and going top of the table.

Prior to the return of league cricket, defending champions Geneva won the David Barnes Memorial Trophy. The trophy is contested annually between the previous year’s champions and a Select XI of players from across the country. Geneva (243/10) beat the Select XI (191/10) by 42 runs thanks to a 146-run innings by Idrees Haque.

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