Independents knocked out of European Cricket League

Independents were unable to join Jersey champions Farmers in the upcoming finals week

Guernsey champions Independents have been knocked out of the European Cricket League in Spain.

The islanders - who finished fourth in their rain-affected five-team group - were beaten by 50 runs Belgian side Beveren in the first knockout game.

Beveren hit an impressive 195-7 off their 10 overs, led by Mansoor Malangzai's 55 off 14 balls that included eight sixes.

He was supported by Abdul Rashid's 45 off 13 balls and knocks of 36 by openers Hadisullah Tarakhel and Jamshed Khan.

Matt Stokes was the pick of the Guernsey bowlers with 3-36 while Ryan Harris had figures of 3-39.

In reply Independents started well as openers Tom Nightingale and Stokes each hit 37 as they put on 53 for the first wicket.

But they quickly began to slip behind the run rate as Nathan Le Tissier's 29 not out off 17 balls was the only other score in double figures as Independents ended on 137-4 off their 10 overs.

Mixed fortunes in group games

Independents made the knockout stages having finished fourth in the group stage.

With the first day washed out all 10 games were reduced to five overs per side and played on Saturday.

They began with an eight-wicket loss to Italian side Roma as their score of 52-3 was chased down in under three overs.

They recovered to beat Portuguese side Malo by 24 runs as Nightingale hit 42 off just 10 balls as they made 80-4.

Beveren crushed Independents by 10 wickets in their third game before beating Gibraltar's Mediterranean Vikings by 14 runs in their final game.