The Isle of Man's Under-19 cricket squad will begin their ECC Division Two Championship campaign against Italy in Belgium on Monday.

The Manx side will play six games in as many days against some of the strongest sides in Europe, including Germany, France and Israel.

The tournament will be a real test for the young Manx side as all six opponents hold Associate status.

The island's opener will be a a 50-over match, starting at 1100 BST.

Isle of Man coach Gareth Dawson said: "As the only team with a lower affiliate ranking, it will certainly be a test for the players.

We're taking a very young squad and they will all have the added incentive of working towards a place in the senior side Gareth Dawson

"We're taking a very young squad and they will all have the added incentive of working towards a place in the senior side for the ECC Division 3 Championship in La Manga."

'We've selected four spinners for the tournament with a view to bringing a couple of the lads into the senior set-up.

"The majority of the squad will still be eligible for selection for the next Under-19 tournament in two years' time. These matches in Belgium should therefore provide invaluable experience."

The island will play four 50-over matches and two Twenty20 games in a new format.

Isle of Man Under-19 Squad:

Cronkbourne: Max Stokoe, Alex Stokoe, Adam Killey, Ali Slack, Zaeem Jafri, Sam Walker Ramsey: Harry Rothwell Loaghtyn: Shaun Kelly Crosby: Jacob Hicklin, Jack Rowlands, Andy Brown St John's: Danny Hawke Castletown: Seb Hopkins Coach: Gareth Dawson Manager: Mike Hebdon

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version