Manx cricketers beaten by Austria in European semi-final

The Isle of Man cricket team were knocked out of the ICC European Division Two competition by Austria at Royal Brussels in Belgium on Friday.

The Manx team had qualified with a 100% record but were soundly beaten by six wickets in a shock defeat.

Batting first the Isle of Man made a disastrous start to their innings and were 10-7 before recovering slightly to finish on 94.

The Austrian side then knocked off the runs for the loss of four wickets.

Austria will face hosts Belgium in Saturday's final as well as gaining promotion to European Division One, and will take part in that tournament next month in the Channel Islands.

Having won the toss and elected to field, Austria made a remarkable start to the game.

Manx openers Gareth Morris and Oliver Webster both perished during the opening over, caught by first slip. The Manx wickets continued to fall in dramatic fashion as they slid to 10-7.

The innings was given some respectability by an eighth-wicket partnership of 75 in 65 balls between Christopher Hawke and skipper Richard Kniveton, but they were all out for 94.

The Austrian side then rapidly chased down their total with opener Lakmal Kasthuriarachchige making 43 from 31 balls.

Austria's Andrew Simpson-Parker sealed the victory with a huge six.

Gareth Dawson's side had beaten Portugal, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Finland in their group.