STOKES SHINES AS GUERNSEY SHINE IN WORLD TOURNAMENT

Matt Stokes - St Cross Symodians

Promising St Cross Symondians all-rounder Matt Stokes, pictured, produced a man-of-the-match performance as his native Guernsey stunned Jersey to win the Channel Islands inter-insular cup in dramatic fashion at Port Soif.
The in-bound Southampton Solent University sportsman, who also plays hockey for the island, hit a superbly controlled 86 and laid the foundations for the five-wicket win which was clinched as former Hampshire Under-17 starlet Tim Ravenscroft hit the fifth ball of the 48th over for six over long on to end growing nerves in the home support.
Stokes earlier took 1-11 from his eight overs of right-arm seam bowling as Jersey were dismissed for 157.
It was a surprise result for the improving Guernsey team, who are managed by former Hampshire wicketkeeper Nic Pothas.
Jersey, who included hit Sussex teenage prospect Jonty Jenner in their side, were playing in the ICC Associate Members t20 World Cup qualifiers in Ireland earlier this summer.
Stokes, who has just begun a sports management study course at Solent, subsequently hit a century for Guernsey, who topped their group in the ICC World League Division 6 tournament against Botswana, Fiji and Suriname in Essex.
He hit a 12-four 135 not out as Guernsey piled up 313-3 against Bostwana. He made 42 against Suriname.  Guernsey ar promoted into Division 5 for the next tournament.

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