Cricket: Defeats for IoM women in latest ICC world cup qualifiers

Manx side lose out in both matchers of double-header

The Isle of Man women's national cricket team suffered two defeats in a challenging double-header of fixtures during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup qualifiers in Italy today (28 May).

First came an eight-wicket loss at the hands of Spain before losing out by 49 runs to fellow Islanders Jersey at Simar Cricket Ground in Rome.

There will be hopes for a positive ending to the campaign when they face their final match in the Europe Qualifier Division 2 tomorrow (29 May).

After picking up their first win of the tournament yesterday, it was a tough start for the Isle of Man this morning as they found themselves all out for 86 against a Spain side which bowled them out in 19.3 overs.

Ellan Cleator provided the standout batting performance for the Islanders, hitting 33 runs off of 51 balls whilst Rachel Overman (ten runs) was the only other Island player to rack up double figures.

Their opponents then overhauled the Isle of Man's total in 15.3 overs as Alexis Hartley recorded 46-not-out on Spain's run to the win.

Only two wickets fell for Spain courtesy of the Isle of Man's Joanne Hicks and Caitlin Henery.

Next up for the Manx side was a showdown with fellow Islanders Jersey who set the benchmark after being first into bat of 140-6.

It would prove too high a bar to reach as the Isle of Man found themselves all out for 91 despite Clare Crowe (25) and Lucy Barnett (15) managed 40 runs between them.

The Isle of Man's final game in their qualifying group will be against Germany tomorrow, getting underway at 2pm at Roma Cricket Ground.