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Page last updated at 14:04 GMT, Monday, 29 September 2008 15:04 UK

Hague hoping for African victory

Matt Hague
Hague says Jersey are on a winning run (Pic: CricketEurope/ICC)

Jersey's cricket team set off for Tanzania on Monday with the aim of returning home next month with another international title.

Captain Matt Hague says his side can win the World Cricket League division four title and move to division three in Argentina next year.

"Winning is a habit. We've won 11 of our last 12 international games and I think we've got the belief," he said.

"We're going thinking we can finish first or second," he told BBC Jersey.

The island side finished runners-up in division five on home soil in May to qualify for the event in Tanzania, which runs from 4-11 October.

But there will only be half as many nations in Tanzania as there were in Jersey.

"There's only six teams in this one, so I'm sure they're all quite strong and they all fancy their chances," said Hague.

"But if we get off to a good start, like we did in Jersey, anything's possible," he added.

Jersey, who begin their campaign against the hosts on Saturday 4 October, have young bowler Anthony Kay in their line-up, after he excelled for them as they won the European division two title in Guernsey this summer.

"Anthony bowled with real pace, which is one area we might have been lacking a little bit," Hague said.

And Jersey are also boosted by the form of the island's cricketer of the year Ryan Driver.

"He's a key member of our team - if it's not with the ball, it's with the bat. We'll keep him fit and hopefully the runs and wickets will flow for him."

Jersey WCL division 4 fixtures
Tanzania, Saturday 4 October
Afghanistan, Sunday 5 October
Italy, Tuesday 7 October
Fiji, Wednesday 8 October
Hong Kong, Friday 10 October
Play-off matches, Saturday 11 October
Jersey begin with some warm-up matches later this week as they acclimatise to the wickets and weather in sub-Saharan Africa under the guidance of their coach, former South Africa Test star Peter Kirsten.

"We've been training hard," said Hague.

"We're really looking forward to it. It'll be a great experience."




see also
Driver named Cricketer of Year
22 Sep 08 |  Cricket
Carlyon brothers back for Jersey
02 Sep 08 |  Cricket
Jersey win Division Two by a run
24 Aug 08 |  Cricket
Brave Jersey cannot halt Afghans
31 May 08 |  Cricket


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