Jersey cricket: Promotion needed before island gets full-time players

Ben Kynman played six times for Jersey in last summer's ICC World Twenty20 qualifying tournament

Jersey will need to be promoted in the World Cricket League if they are to afford their own contracted players, according to head coach Neil MacRae.

Jersey are starting preparations for World Cricket League Division Five, which they host in May.

"We would love to put players on part-time or even full-time contracts," MacRae told BBC Radio Jersey

"But that depends on our performances, moving up the World Cricket League divisions."

MacRae says the best option will be for the island to have their best young players earn contracts with English first-class counties.

The island's top prospect Jonty Jenner is on Sussex's books, while bowler Ben Kynman has attracted interest from Kent.

Jenner had a high score of 90 not out and averaged 52.5, the fourth-highest in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifying tournament, as Jersey finished second-from-bottom of their group.

"We're keen to explore any opportunity where our young players can go to English counties and pursue a professional career, we think that's the most obvious route," added MacRae.

"We hope Jonty Jenner could be the first full-time player at the end of this summer. Ben Kynman's attracted some interest form Kent and he's going to train with them during pre-season.

"We're hoping that with some other good youngsters coming through the day where we have two or even three players with counties isn't too far off."