Who can stop the Glashtyns? That’s the question all Manx Cricket is asking as the third round of matches in the Manx Premier League are set for Saturday.

Ollie Webster’s side has a record of playing four games and winning every one. Second placed Manannans are a distant four points behind while Bugganes have still to gain a point.

On the other hand nearly all the games have been close. Glashtyns two victories against Bugganes were by only five runs and two wickets. They also beat Manannans by just one wicket in a bowl out.

So the gap between the teams is not as great as it might appear. The next three games go ahead at Tromode, with start times of 10.30am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

On Sunday the semi-finals of the Blincoe Cup take place. These are two innings per side with each innings consisting of sixteen eight ball overs. The maximum number of overs for a bowler is two. That means each team must have at least eight people to bowl.

Most sides can rely on five or six players to deliver a decent spell of sixteen balls. The fun starts when numbers seven or eight have to perform. Strength in depth is the key to success in this Cup.

Also winning the toss is vital. The side that bats first in the initial innings also bats second in the final. That gives them the advantage of setting the pace and then seeing what is needed at the end.

Holders of the trophy are Crosby B who beat the Development Squad in last year’s final. On Sunday they are at home to the Schools Eleven who reached the semis with a bye and then defeating Valkyres B. Crosby also had a bye, followed by a good win over Cronkbourne Bacchas.

The other game pits Peel and St John’s B against Ramsey B in what could be a close game. In the last round the Saints got the better of Finch Hill and Ramsey knocked over Castletown B. The final of the Blincoe is on Sunday 2nd August at Marown.