Peter Gough: Jersey captain worried about state of island's league

Peter Gough scored 71 in his only appearance for St Ouen Springfield this season

Jersey cricket captain Peter Gough says he is saddened by the lack of fixtures in the island's league.

Three of the eight games so far this season have been forfeited by teams because they did not have enough players available.

"It's disappointing, you want your game to be in as good and healthy position as possible," Gough told BBC Jersey.

"It's a shame for all the players involved that wanted to play on that day and weren't able to."

Jersey's representative team has never been stronger, having made the ICC World T20 global qualifying tournament last summer and gaining promotion to Division Four of the World Cricket League.

But domestically there are just four clubs left in the island's top league after mergers between Farmers and Caesareans, St Ouen and Springfield and Walkovers and Sporting Club Francais.

Walkovers SCF have forfeited two of their four matches this season, while Old Victorians, the fourth team in the league, could not raise a team against St Ouen.

Gough is hopeful there will not be many more cancellations as players who have been away at university return to the island:

"I just hope that as the season progresses that players can get positive about playing for their clubs and look forward to being with their friends on a Saturday and keep playing and enjoying it," he said.

"One way that you put your hand up to push for a place in the Jersey team is to perform well in the local league.

"If you score runs every week, take wickets, are a role model in the field and you keep yourself fit you massively put your hand up for a place in the side.

"We want our club cricket to be strong and competitive."