The impact of this summer’s ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup matches is continuing to unfold, weeks after the players left the field.
Guernsey hosted seven national teams for the Europe Division 2 Qualifier in July.
Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Sweden, Switzerland and hosts Guernsey all competed with the aim of making the next stage of qualification for the main event.
Stefano Pieri, Team Manager at Federazione Cricket Italiana, said it was a great experience for his players.
“Representing Italy at this level is a very special experience for our Under-19 players.
“As one of Europe’s developing cricket nations, opportunities to compete in ICC qualification tournaments are invaluable, providing our young players with exposure to a higher standard of cricket, different playing conditions and the chance to measure themselves against some of the best emerging talent in the region.”
Italy ended the tournament as champions, beating Sweden in the final. Both sides have progressed further in the qualification, but they also gained experience navigating competitive cricket.
“From a cricketing perspective, I was genuinely impressed by the standard of the facilities in Guernsey,” added Mr Pieri.
“Having travelled extensively throughout Associate cricket, I can confidently say that the KGV ground ranks among the finest venues at this level.
“The quality of the playing surface, the excellent outfields and the overall presentation of the grounds reflected the pride that Guernsey Cricket takes in its facilities.”
“For many of our players, this was the first time they had experienced playing on outfields and wickets of this quality. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their game in professional surroundings and to appreciate the standards required at international level.”
While Guernsey fell short of the final, losing to sweden in the semi-final. They still had plenty to be positive about.
Richard Headington, Chief Operating Officer at Guernsey Cricket, said “Guernsey can be extremely proud of what was achieved”.
“Aside from defeating Germany by 85 runs in the third place play off, finishing the tournament strongly, the tournament was important for its development.
“For our young players, the opportunity to compete against international opposition on home soil was invaluable. They experienced different styles of cricket, the pressures of tournament competition and the standards required to progress at international level.
“But the benefits went much wider than our own squad. We welcomed seven visiting nations to Guernsey and were able to showcase not only the quality of our cricket facilities, but the island itself.
“Stefano’s comments about the standard of KGV and our other grounds are particularly pleasing. We know how much work goes into preparing facilities for a tournament of this scale, and that recognition is a tremendous credit to our grounds team and everyone who helped deliver the event.
“It was also fantastic to see so many volunteers, officials, clubs and members of the wider cricket community come together to support the tournament. Events like this simply could not happen without them.
“Hosting ICC tournaments of this nature is something we want to continue to do. They provide tremendous development opportunities for our players, strengthen Guernsey’s position within European cricket and bring visiting teams, officials and supporters to the island.”
