Isle of Man Premiership champions Peel and St John’s start the defence of their tile on Saturday. Their opponents are the Schools Eleven who were soundly beaten when the sides met two weeks ago in the Tinker Cup. However, last Saturday the scholars had a good win over Ramsey in the league and should provide a test for Ollie Webster’s team.
Stuart Mellors took three wickets with some accurate medium pace while Kieran Cawte and Matthew Quayle both bowled well. The batting stood up with Eddie Beard hitting 32 not out and Will Wood making 23.
Despite this, it is difficult to see them overcoming the Saints on their home track. In that Tinker encounter their batsmen struggled against Nick Hawke who took 3 for 13 and Russ Miller who returned 2 for 3 from six very accurate overs.
With the likely return of Dan Hawke and Akkie van den Berg to the Mullen-e-Cloie attack, the Schools could be in trouble. But, if they win the toss and decide to field, then they could make the Saints work hard for the full points.
Crosby have been devastated by injuries and the result of their match against Castletown could hinge on just who is fit.
The Marown club will be hoping Joe Rothwell can make the starting line-up. His six wickets for six runs in the Tinker against Valkyres is the best bowling return so far this year. The batting of the two Knivetons, Kevin and Danny, will also be key.
In their last match the Town batsmen posted a creditable 166 against Cronkbourne, but in reply their bowlers could take only two wickets. Skipper Richard Jackson will be looking to boost the attack and hope all-rounder Garreth Roome continues his fine batting form. So far he has scores of 61 and 42, both innings made in quick time.
Cronkbourne, who host Ramsey have shown strength in depth. Their youth academy members have stepped into places vacated by the absence of some senior players. It will be interesting to see how many the Tromode selectors retain for this next game.
Although they lost last week, Ramsey put in a good performance and will be no pushover. Grant Atchison impressed with an excellent 28, while big hitters Sean Kelly and Andy Ball always pose a threat.
Rob Webber will probably return to help the batting, while skipper Marc Pons Burt could recall the reliable Brian Arnold to reinforce the bowling.
