World Cricket League: Jersey promotion hopes over after loss

Denmark's top order set them up for an impressive score

Jersey's hopes of a third consecutive World Cricket League promotion are over and they remain bottom of Division Four after a 134-run loss to Denmark.

It leaves the island side facing a real battle to avoid relegation with only one group match to go.

Batting first after winning the toss, Denmark posted 270 all out, with opener Frederik Klokker (80) top-scoring.

In reply Jersey could only reach 136-9 as injured Jonty Jenner was unable to bat during the innings.

They will now face hosts Singapore on Friday in a game the island will almost certainly have to win to avoid the drop. Two teams from Oman, Italy and Jersey will be relegated, and the Channel Islanders' inferior net run rate means they will probably have to win and hope both Oman and Italy lose.

"In tournaments all games are big, but we're creating a situation where each game that comes along is getting bigger and bigger," Chris Minty, the chief executive of the Jersey cricket board, told BBC Radio Jersey.

"We've got to go away, regroup and think a little more about how we approach it and the next game against Singapore is a massive one.

"I think promotion from this one was always going to be a long shot but our priority now is to stay in this division."

The thundery Singapore downpours which had been forecast on Wednesday never materialised and Denmark won the toss and chose to bat first.

The 17-year-old Jersey debutant James Duckett opened the bowling, but the Danes raced to 32-0 off the first four overs and at 149-1 from 30 overs looked like they might go on to make 300.

But three wickets in an over from all-rounder Nat Watkins (4-49) changed the momentum and helped restrict Denmark, with Aftab Ahmed the last man out off the penultimate ball.

It was a big ask though for Jersey, particularly with Jenner not able to bat because of a groin strain.

The islanders started well in the run chase but lost skipper Peter Gough for 33, caught and bowled by Yasir Iqbal.

Ben Stevens made a steady 29 but again too many of Jersey's batsman were out for single figure scores.

Denmark, Malaysia and Singapore all go into the final matches with hopes of promotion, while Jersey, Oman and Italy are all in danger of relegation to World League Five.