The Isle of Man's senior cricket team pulled off a stunning victory against Belgium in the European Championships on Sunday. The home side, hot favourites to top the tournament, won the toss and put the Island in to bat. Wickets quickly fell and at 41 for 5 the prospects looked gloomy.
Then Graeme Garrett came to the rescue with an inspired innings. Together with Gareth Morris, he steadied the side and then went on the attack. The pair put on 77 before Gareth was dismissed for 38. Graeme kept the tail together and made an invaluable 60 before he was last man out. The score was 162 and represented a splendid recovery from a very difficult position.
The Manx bowlers then tore into Belgium. Scott Pearce was in great form and claimed the wickets of the top four batsmen. His ten overs cost only 17 runs. Despite losing wickets, Belgium kept the runs coming and at 129 for 7 were 33 runs behind with plenty of overs left. Then two wickets went down to Gareth Morris, but the last pair caused concern.
They had taken the total to 151, just 12 runs short of victory, when Pearce took a catch off Morris to win the game. Gareth finish with 4 for 36 and Nick Hawke took 2 for 27.
This was a great display by the Island. Their bowling and fielding was top class and team spirit excellent. They now face Malta who beat Cyprus by seven wickets.
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