Mixed fortunes for island sides as WCL5 begins

Jersey and Italy, who were relegated from Division 4 last year, are many people's favourites for promotion. Credit: ITV

Jersey got off to the best possible start at World Cricket League Division 5 beating Vanuatu by 6 wickets, while Guernsey came up 48 runs short against Italy.

Jersey all-rounder Ben Stevens took 5-28 as they bowled out their opponents for 170 on the opening day in South Africa.

Former captain Peter Gough then led the way with 65 as his side chased down their target with more than 15 overs to spare.

In Group A, Italy set Guernsey 278 to win, Dave Hooper taking three wickets as the tournament’s joint-favourites - alongside Jersey - finished seven down.

Ollie Newey hit 73 from 93 balls in reply, but the Sarnians lost regular wickets, eventually reaching 229-8 from their 50 overs.

Jersey face Germany, who beat Ghana by 1 wicket, on the main pitch in Benoni on Monday, with Guernsey playing the Cayman Islands, who suffered a 93-run defeat against Qatar, on day two.