The island’s cricket side lost its second match at this week’s ICC Europe Division One Championship in Sussex, losing by 20 runs to France on Tuesday.
Having won the toss, the French produced an impressive batting display putting on 138 for the opening wicket. A couple of quick wickets slowed down the French run rate, but the European side finishing on a commanding total of 197-5 from their 20 overs. Pick of the Manx bowlers were Akkie Van Den Berg and Alex Stokoe who both ended on figures of 1-30.
The Manx reply got off to a disastrous start, with opener Jaco Jansen losing his wicket with just the second ball of the innings.
Driven forward by Phil Littlejohns and Max Stokoe the islanders recovered, putting on 93 before the Cronkbourne man was dismissed.
Littlejohns continued to hit out and was ably supported by Luke Lacey and Ollie Webster as the Manx did their best to chase down the big French total. However, the run rate required was just too much for the Manx batsman to reel in and they ended on 177-5, 20 shy of their target. Littlejohns hitting 81 not out.
The island’s campaign continued this afternoon with their second match of the day against Germany at 2.30pm.