Stokes and Nussbaumer reign supreme in Guernsey as cricket returns to the British Isles.

Featuring the island’s top players in a much-anticipated first match back on the British Isles, Guernsey Head of Cricket Andy Cornford and Performance coach Olly Tapp selected two T20 teams for a charity COVID-19 Appeal Match, supported by the European Cricket Network.

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Guernsey wicketkeeper/batsman Jason Martin won the toss for Olly Tapps's XI and had no hesitation in batting first. Tom Nightingale impressed with three flashy early boundaries, before nicking behind to Zak Damarell for 23 off Luke Le Tissier, nephew of former England football international Matt Le Tissier, aka GOD in these parts. Damarell produced a smart stumping to remove Nathan Le Tissier (YES! another Le Tiss!), as Olly’s progress began to stall at 66-4 in the 14^th over. Left-armer Ant Stokes bowled four miserly overs conceding only 13 while securing the wicket of Will Peatfield. Nik refused to Buckle in his opening spell, picking up two wickets in his three overs as well. Andy Cornford's XI never allowed the batting side the chance to score freely and took a couple of amazing reflex catches, with Matt Renouf’s grab at backward square for the prize scalp of Olly’s skipper Jason Martin the pick of the bunch. Ben Ferbrache provided the genuine Guernsey glue in the innings, progressing serenely at around a run a ball throughout. Ferbrache mullered the first six of the day to reach his half century as Olly's XI finished on 105 for 5 from their 20 overs at the scenic KGV ground in Guernsey.

Andy Cornford's XI were always up with the required run-rate and never looked in any real trouble on the chase. Lucas Barker holed out to deep mid-wicket for 19 off 24, before Luke Bichard snarled the big wicket of Guernsey T20 captain Josh Butler caught behind by Jason Martin for just 1 to leave the score at 43 for 2 in the ninth. Jamie Nussbaumer joined Zak Damarell at the crease to boost the scoring rate at just the right time. Damerell nicked behind for a well-compiled 30 as Andy Cornford's XI assumed control at 72 for 3 after 13 overs. Player of the Match Nussbaumer nailed down the rest of the target with ease, hitting 5 boundaries in a majestic unbeaten 37 off 30 balls. Ollie Newey provided invaluable support as Andy Cornford's XI won by 7 wickets with 11 balls to spare.

Scores and Statistics ----Olly Tapps's XI won the toss and elected to bat first ----Olly Tapps's XI 105/5 (20 overs, RR: 5.25) ----Andy Cornford's XI 107/3 (18.1 overs, RR: 5.89) ---- Andy Cornford's XI Wins by 7 wickets. 

Photo credit: Martin Gray

Player of the Match: Jamie Nussbaumer from Andy Cornford's XI Runs: 37 | Balls: 30 | 6s: 0 | 4s: 5 | S/R: 123.33 ----

Olly Tapps's XI Top Batters

Ben Ferbrache | Runs: 53 | Balls: 48 | 6s: 1 | 4s: 2 | S/R: 110.4

Tom Nightingale | Runs: 23 | Balls: 27 | 6s:  | 4s: 1 | S/R: 85.2

Photo credit: Martin Gray

Andy Cornford's XI Top Bowlers

Nic Buckle 14/2 (3 Overs, RR: 4.67)

Ant Stokes 13/1 (4 Overs, RR: 3.25)

Ollie Newey 23/1 (4 Overs, RR: 5.75)

Andy Cornford's XI Top Fielder 

Nic Buckle | Catches and Run Outs: 2 catches

Andy Cornford's XI Top Batters 

Jamie Nussbaumer | Runs: 37 | Balls: 30 | 6s: 5 | S/R: 123.3

Zak Damarell | Runs: 28 | Balls: 36 | 6s: 2 | S/R: 77.8

Lucas Barker | Runs: 19 | Balls: 24 | 6s:  | 4s: 1 | S/R: 79.2

Olly Tapps's XI Top Bowlers

Luke Bichard 15/2 (3 Overs, RR: 5)

Tom Nightingale 17/1 (2 Overs, RR: 8.5)

Jordan Martel 14/0 (3 Overs, RR: 4.67)

Umpires: A Bristol | A Edsall