Cricket: Fitchet picked in Knights squad for European tournament

Friday 01 March 2024

Ben Fitchet has made the cut to play among the best in Europe in the Weston Shield.

He will be on the British & Irish Knights roster when they face Team Europe in the T10 series in April.

Jersey’s Jonty Jenner and Julius Sumerauer are also in the side, which has further Guernsey flavour as Rob Thomson is the manager.

"We are delighted to reveal the final squads and logos for the Weston Shield," said Daniel Weston, Founder of European Cricket Network. 

"This event marks a significant milestone in the European cricketing calendar, and we are excited to witness the fierce competition unfold between Team Europe and British & Irish Knights."

The tournament, which will be held at the picturesque Santarem Cricket Ground in Portugal on 6 and 7 April, was named after Weston.

The invitational event will showcase the best of European cricket talent over nine matches, taking top players from the ECC competition both Guernsey and Jersey played in September.

From a Guernsey perspective Fitchet, Tom Nightingale, Adam Martel and Luke Bichard were named in the initial 30-man preliminary squad.

Asa Tribe, Chuggy Perchard, Jenner and Sumeraeur from Jersey were selected alongside a host of top players from England, Scotland and Ireland.

“Based on availability and squad balance, which respecting the rules that you are allowed a maximum of four players from each country, only Ben, Jonty, and Julius made the final squad,” said Thomson.

Pictured: Rob Thomson.

“They all impressed in September, have good experience of the European Cricket T10 format and provide skills to compliment the other squad members.

“Within the world of the European Cricket Network it's the biggest event they've ever put on in terms of standard.” 

Albert van der Merwe, the Academy & Performance Manager of Cricket Ireland, is the Knights coach.

A host of professional cricketers will be involved, which matches covered live by ECN.