Peel & St John’s won the big match at the top of the Isle of Man Premiership on Saturday when they beat Cronkbourne by six wickets.

Batting first the Douglas team made a good start with skipper Max Stokoe in fine form. However, when he was out for 26, the Saints got on top. Cronkbourne slumped to 80 for 5, but an excellent 32 from Adam Killey helped them end on 156 for 7. Jack Gerard scored 25 while Kieran Cawte and Nick White took two wickets each. In reply opener Ollie Webster batted sensibly and took the total to 86 when he was lbw to Stokoe for 45. Peter Lewis (49no) and Nick White (25) took control and the side cruised home for the loss of only four wickets.

Mark Williams rescued the Schools Eleven with a fine innings at Crosby. Ben Kebbell and Dave Picken had reduced the Scholars to 48 for 5 when Williams came to the crease. In a great display of big hitting, he blasted 86 not out from 85 balls with an innings which included 8 fours and 5 sixes. The Schools finished on 182 for 6 with Dave Picken (3 -37) the best of the bowlers.

The Marown batting was then rocked by Stuart Mellors who put down eight tight overs to return 3 for 17. Ryan Windell made a lively 44, but the side collapsed from 92 for 4 to 121 all out. The Schools won by 61 runs to go second in the Premiership table.

Castletown had their first league win of the season when they beat Ramsey by six wickets. They bowled out the northerners for 136 and got the runs for the loss of only four wickets.

# # # # #

Junior cricket on the Island is thriving with plenty of matches being played and good attendances from parents and spectators. The Sunday Under 9 tournaments in particular are going well while the leagues are keenly contested.

Cronkbourne and Crosby top the Under 11 table while the Tromode side lead the Under 13 league, closely followed by Castletown and Crosby. All clubs welcome more youngsters. Anybody (boys or girls) wanting to join in should contact a club or CDO Greig Wright at iomcricket@hotmail.com.