Island meet Spain in crunch game

It’s two wins out of two for the Isle of Man at the European Under 17 Division Two Cricket Championships.

The hosts top Group B after victories over Germany by 66 runs and Switzerland by 93 runs.

They now face a tough encounter with Spain at St John’s today (Monday).

Italy confirmed they will be the team to beat when they gained sweet revenge over Belgium in their opening match.

The Belgians had won the last under 17 final, against Italy, two years ago but this time they were blown away by a superb Italian bowling display which seems certain to cause the rest of their opponents plenty of problems later in the tournament.

Italy beat Belgium by 138 runs, an impressive France cruised to victory against Gibraltar at St. John’s, while Spain won by 38 runs against Switzerland at Crosby.

In Sunday’s games, Italy went straight to the top of their group after an easy win over France by 60 runs, while Belgium and Austria picked up their first wins with victories over Greece and Germany respectively.

Manx Radio cricket correspondent Maurice Trace gave an update on Manx Radio this morning:

Cricket fixtures for Monday, July 26

ICC European Under 17 Division Two (11am)

Isle of Man v Spain (at St John’s)
Austria v Switzerland (at KWC)
Italy v Gibraltar (at Tromode)
France v Greece (at Crosby)

Standard Bank Twenty20 Division Two (6.30pm)

Union Mills v Fairbairn Crosby B
Ramsey B v Habib Valkyres
Ronaldsway v HQ Vagabonds