The Blincoe Cup Final on Sunday could be one of the best for many years. The Island Schools Eleven play Ramsey B in a match of two innings per side at Marown.

The scholars, mentored by Simon Beard, have so far claimed two impressive scalps. In the first round they beat Valkyres B and then had a great win over Crosby B.

The side is packed with players who are already turning out for club sides. Most are also in the Island Development squad, so it should be no surprise that the team are doing well.

In the previous rounds Sam Callister scored 50 and 36, George Burrows 33 and 22 while Nathan Knights has notched 38. Josh Mills and Tom Burrows have been amongst the wickets while the fielding has been excellent.

So the prospects are good for this young team, but they will be up against a dangerous, experienced side. Ramsey B are led by ex-Island captain Rob Webber who can call on such expert players as Grant Atchison and Brian Arnold.

Tom Howard and Andy Ball can get runs quickly while in the first round against Castletown Dan Kelly struck an exciting 35 off only 15 balls. They also have plenty of bowling talent available for this type of match.

The final starts at 11am and winning the toss is usually vital. The side that bats first also bats last. This allows them to set the pace and also know what their final target will be.

Opinion is divided on who this year’s winner will be. The teams look evenly balanced and, whatever the result, it could be a game to remember.

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The fourth round of matches in the Manx Premier League are set for Mullen-e-Cloie on Saturday. In the third set of games leaders Glashtyns stumbled and are now only two points ahead of the Manannans.

The two sides clash in the final game of the day at 4.30pm, but both are in action earlier. At 10.30am it is Glashtyns versus Bugganes and at 1.30pm it is the turn of Manannans to take on Bugganes.

All the matches are T20 and feature the top cricket talent on the Island. It should be an exciting day for all cricket lovers.

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Manx cricket circles are still buzzing about last Saturday’s performance by Cronkbourne. They scored 389 for 1 with Max Stokoe hitting 188 not out and Adam McAuley an undefeated 160.

Their partnership of 362 was an Island record, but Tromode fans also stress it should be viewed in context. The previous week Cronkbourne had lost to Castletown, being bowled out for just 52.

Stokoe was out first ball and McAuley also went for a duck. To bounce back as they did showed a great deal of character.

Some supporters wonder if any other records were broken? The innings total is among the highest made on the Island, but the record is still held by Ramsey who in 2007 made an incredible 451 for 4 against Valkyres.

There have been few higher scores than Stokoe’s 188, but the top effort here goes to ex-Test batsman Travis Friend who five years ago hit a memorable 227 for Castletown.

For those wondering about the best partnership for the Isle of Man National team, look no further than the 1986 fixture against Merseyside Schools. Then openers Simon Watson and Paul Munden had an unbroken opening stand of 241.

Watson is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in a season. In 1996 he hit 1,544 at an amazing average of 81.

The bowler who has taken most wickets in a season is David Quayle who six years earlier claimed 99 victims. He is now one of the top umpires on the island and officiates for the ICC in Europe.