European Cricket Championship: Jersey lose opening games to Spain and England XI

Asa Tribe's excellent knock of 47 almost guided Jersey to victory against Spain

Jersey lost their opening two matches in the final stages of the 10-over European Cricket Championship in Spain.

A poor bowling performance was to blame for a dramatic five-run loss to the hosts in their opening game.

The islanders then went on to lose by 79 runs to an England XI after conceding 70 in the final three overs.

Jersey, who won their group last month, face Germany on Tuesday in their third game knowing a win could be key to making the knockout stages.

• Jersey reach finals of European Cricket Championship

Sloppy bowling costs Jersey dear

Julius Sumerauer took four wickets over Jersey's opening two matches

A total of 35 extras helped Spain hit 158-7 in their 10 overs having been restricted to 28-4 off the first three.

Muhammad Ihsan made 63 not out off 24 balls and put on 107 for the fifth wicket with Muhammad Yasin.

Asa Tribe's 47 and a 17-ball 40 from Jonty Jenner saw Jersey have the chance to win, but the hosts held on.

Jersey's bowlers started brilliantly as Julius Sumerauer and George Richardson each took two wickets as Spain staggered to 28-4.

But when Ihsan joined Yasin they clicked as they hammered Jersey all over the Cartama Oval.

They were helped by some pretty desperate bowling with 19 runs coming off wides, as well as six off byes and five off no-balls, while Jersey were further hampered as Spain got five penalty runs for a slow over rate.

Yasin was finally caught by Theo Pullman off Tribe's bowling for 37 off 22 balls while Ihsan kept his wicket intact as he smashed seven sixes and four fours.

In reply Jersey started superbly as Patrick Gouge crashed 37 runs off 13 balls as he and Tribe put on 64 for the first wicket in three-and-a-half overs.

Jenner came and smashed a quickfire 40 that included 28 runs off the seventh over while Tribe was dismissed with the penultimate ball of the ninth over having hit four sixes and three fours.

Josh Lawrenson came in and looked to be guiding Jersey home as he hit 14 off five balls, but when he was caught on the boundary going for a six with the penultimate delivery Jersey needed a maximum off the final ball to win - but debutant Elliott Corbel was also caught out deep as he tried in vain to win the game.

England XI put Jersey to the sword

Jonty Jenner was one of just three Jersey batters to reach double figures against England XI

In their second game against an England side made up of National Counties players, Jersey's bowlers again got off to a good start.

Sumerauer took 2-21 while spinner Rhys Palmer claimed 2-14 in his sole over as England XI were restricted to 59-5 at the halfway stage.

But again Jersey's bowlers could not contain their opponents as England smashed 96 runs off the second set of five overs - 70 coming off the final three overs.

David Scott struck 45 not out from 14 balls including five sixes and Thomas Bevan was caught with the final ball of the innings for a 19-ball 56 that included eight maximums as England ended on 155-6.

In reply Gouge was trapped lbw with the very first delivery of Jersey's innings and was quickly followed by Tribe who was caught for five. Jenner was bowled for 21 and Sumerauer caught for four as the islanders slumped to 32-4 off their opening three overs as Rich Edwards took 3-27.

It got worse as Elliott Corbel and Sam Patidar were dismissed without scoring in successive balls in the next over to leave Jersey on 39-6.

Richardson also went without scoring before Josh Lawrenson showed some resistance as he hit 27 off 17 balls before being caught to leave Jersey on 70-8 with 13 balls to go.

Rhys Palmer went on to score 12 as Jersey ended on a disappointing 76-9 for their heaviest defeat at this year's tournament.