The two titans of Manx Cricket clash in the Isle of Man Premiership on Saturday when champions Peel and St John’s play Cronkbourne. Both teams have won their opening league and cup games, but the Saints’ batsmen have shown impressive form. In their last two matches they have amassed 543 runs with Chris Hawke and skipper Ollie Webster hitting centuries. Hawke’s hundred against Castletown came off only 60 balls and included 13 fours and 5 sixes.

However the bowlers may be a cause for concern. They dismissed the Town for 160, but put down no fewer than 38 wides and five no-balls. A repeat against Cronkbourne could lead to disaster. Kieran Cawte is likely to be recalled from the Schools Eleven. So far this season he has taken 12 wickets at an average of just over 13. Also Akkie van den Berg should now be available to boost the attack.

The Douglas side had a scare last week when the Schools dismissed them for 131. At 59 for 2 it looked like the Scholars could win, but a four wicket burst from Max Stokoe and three wickets by Sam Mills ended their hopes. Stokoe is in great form with the ball. His wickets have been taken at an average of just four each and he is conceding less than two runs per over.

The batting is relying heavily on Carl Mellors who has an average of 68. The Peel and St John’s attack need to get him and Stokoe out quickly, otherwise they could be in trouble. The game will be at Tromode on the grass track, which is likely to favour the home side. Cronkbourne are still missing players at university, but this is still likely to be a close encounter.

Ramsey and Castletown are in the final two league positions. So the result of their clash on Saturday has extra importance. Jack Newbery returned from University to boost the Town batting last week with an excellent 57 and he made 47 in Monday’s T20. Skipper Richard Jackson has shone with both bat and ball, so all is not lost for the southerners. Seb Aycock was missing with a back injury, but hopes are high that he will return to the team.

Ramsey need to get their full squad fit and available for this fixture. They have looked good in spells, but need to be more consistent throughout a match. On Monday it all came together with that fine T20 victory. A repeat in Saturday’s Premiership could set them up for the season.

Crosby share top place in the table and are expected to make it three wins out of three when they play the Schools Eleven at Marown. Last week Danny Kniveton had a great match against Ramsey. He scored 42 not out, took four wickets, held three catches and was credited with a run out. However, the Scholars will be no push over. They have beaten Ramsey and lost narrowly to Cronkbourne. Opening bat George Burrows tops the Island statistics with the most runs – 386 at an average of 43. Eddie Beard is not far behind with 217 at an average of 31. If Crosby can dismiss these two quickly, then they should win. If they fail, another shock result could be on the cards.