Email This Article To Someone!

In the annual Manx Challenge, Castletown just lost to the Rest Of The Island in a very tight finish..

 The fixture traditionally starts the Manx Season and sees the Standard Bank League champions take on a strong Island eleven. This year the weather interfered and the match began two hours late after heavy rain.

Due to the bad light and thick mist, the captains agreed to play a 20-20 game. The Rest batted first with openers Max Stokoe and Ollie Webster making a fine start.

 They had a stand of 63 before Ollie was dismissed for 32 ,but Max went on to make 51 The innings finished on 133 for 5 with skipper Rob Webber hitting 20 and Scott Pearce 13 not out.

 Pick of the bowlers was Wicus Wessels (2 -27) while, on his debut for the Town, Mark Williams claimed 2 for 15.

 The Town lost a quick wicket, but were brought back into contention by Wessels and Williams. Wicus cracked a lively 49 and Mark made 25. With just one over left the Southerners were 22 behind.

 Andy Sewell and Garreth Roome then made a frantic attack on the bowling and Garreth brought the crowd to its feet with two rousing sixes. However, it was not quite enough and the game ended with Castletown just three runs behind.

 Andy made 23 not out and Garreth was undefeated on 16. In the Town's 130 for 3, there were wickets for Neil Holmes, Ewald Killian and Nick Hawke.

  In the poor conditions this was a good game and left the Island selectors with much to think about.  

 ISLE OF MAN BANK CRICKET FIXTURES DIARY

 Saturday 28th April

Standard Bank League

Montpelier Group Castletown v Manx Telecom Cronkbourne

Ramsey Crookall v Fairbairn Crosby

Black Grace Cowley St Johns v TCQ Valkyres

Sunday 29th April

Special Match

Polished Union Mills Present v Union Mills Past

(1-00pm Garey Mooar)

Tuesday 1st May

MAC Financial Cain League

Manx Telecom Cronkbourne A v Montpelier Group Castletown A

Black Grace Cowley St Johns A v Fairbairn Crosby A

TCQ Valkyres A v Ramsey Crookall A