Jersey Cricket 2022: A Year in Review
As we move forward into a new year with lots planned and exciting opportunities on the horizon, let’s take a moment to look back at some of the highlights from 2022.
It’s important to take time to celebrate the successes seen both on and off the field in what was another year of growth for cricket in Jersey.
JANUARY: Maddy White appointed as the full time Women & Girls Performance and Development Officer*. Focused on continuing the growth of the female pathway that saw more opportunities provided for girls than ever before including the formation of girl’s age group squads at U11, U13 & U15 levels.
*Supported by the Jersey Community Foundation with funds from the Channel Islands Lottery.
FEBRUARY: After receiving “Registered Childcare Provider” status from Jersey’s Childcare and Early Years service, Jersey Cricket’s Future Reds community programme ran its first ever all day holiday camps. They continued throughout the year, including masterclass sessions with various men’s national players, for over 300 children.
MARCH: The 2021 Brooks Macdonald T10 Champions, Farmers Caesareans, travelled to Spain to represent Jersey at the European Cricket League. All games were live streamed to thousands of viewers. Fast bowler, Ben Kynman, took a hat trick that included a stunning highlight reel catch from wicketkeeper/captain James Perchard.
APRIL: Jersey Cricket signed a long-term lease with the Government of Jersey to take control of Grainville Playing Fields following a full refurbishment of the cricket pavilion to include offices, bar/restaurant and new changing rooms. Jersey now has an official ‘home of cricket’.
MAY: Jersey Women’s team returned to ICC action following a 3 year absence remaining unbeaten with 4 convincing T20i wins in a Quadrangular tournament in Paris, France. All rounder, Trinity Smith, was subsequently nominated for ICC Women’s Player of the Month having scored 120 runs in 3 innings at a strike rate of 134 along with 6 wickets.
JUNE: Jersey Men’s team went unbeaten during round 2 of ICC Challenge League B in Uganda. The first part of the African tour saw a superb series of results which brought them back in contention for promotion. Teenager Josh Lawrenson scored a stunning hundred v Italy whilst spinner Dom Blampied took a maiden List A 5 wicket haul against the hosts.
JULY: The club cricket summer included 31 teams competing across the Brooks Macdonald Weekend and Evening league divisions. A sharp rise in playing numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels. Farmers Caesareans were crowned 40-over and T20 champions with Old Victorians winning the T10 tournament. On top of this, 18 junior club teams, made up of 264 players, took part in the My Club My Journey programme across three divisions.
AUGUST: Jersey hosted the final instalment of ICC Challenge League B. The men’s side continued their fine form winning 4 out of 5 games to finish top of the table and progress to the ICC World Cup Qualifier Playoff. Hundreds from Asa Tribe, Nick Greenwood and Jonty Jenner helped the hosts to big victories whilst boosting the net run rate.
SEPTEMBER: In its third year the Fairway Super Series went from strength to strength with 4 local charities (Mind Jersey, Lords Taverners, Dementia Jersey & Beresford Street Kitcken) represented across two weekends of T20 action. Over 65 cricketers at U14 & U16 age groups were invited to enter following performances for their respective clubs throughout the season. Dementia Dynamos lifted the U14 title and Lords Taverners Lightning the U16.
OCTOBER: Jersey Cricket hosted the annual Brooks Macdonald end of season awards evening at the Grand Hotel. Former Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and England batsman James Taylor handed out a vast amount of both team and individual awards on the night. James gave a brilliant speech on his battle with a life changing condition that cut his international career short as well as taking questions from the attendees.
NOVEMBER: Jersey Women were granted admission onto the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifying pathway due to the evidence of growth in the player pathway and a rise in playing numbers whilst including 6 teams in the Women’s Premier League in 2022. Their first ICC qualifying event will be European Division 2 in 2023.
DECEMBER: The first ever Lionesses performance squad trials took place to provide a platform for young girls in Jersey to showcase their cricketing talents. Over 130 players signed up or were nominated by their school to attend the trials over two days to select players into the U11, U13 and U15 squads.