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Ireland U19s are in Jersey seeking a place in the World Cup in New Zealand against Denmark, Scotland and hosts Jersey.
The Ireland Under 19 boys are in Jersey for a four nation qualifying tournament this week, playing some of their best cricket to date.

That’s according to captain Harry Tector whose squad have flown out to face Denmark, Scotland and hosts Jersey, looking to secure a spot at next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

“We know how to win even when we don’t play our best, however in the warm-up against Warwickshire I felt we played some of our best cricket to date. That’s a huge positive going into the qualifiers. I feel we are ready,” said Tector.

The side is jam packed with versatility and depth. “It’s extremely beneficial as captain that players such as Morgan Topping and Josh Little just make life a lot easier as they are ‘two players in one’ with bat and ball.”

This allows the Ireland squad flexibility in selection as they can afford to play the extra seamer, spinner or batter depending on the circumstance, added Tector.

As a leader, Tector has complete trust and belief in the squad that has travelled to Jersey. “I feel I can throw the ball to anyone, bar the keepers, and know they will do what’s required. Everyone in the squad from one to fourteen can bat so the opposition will have to work very hard to claim all 10 wickets.”

Despite his tender years, Tector has accumulated plenty of experience. Indeed this season in particular, has seen the Under 19 squad playing more Interprovincial cricket than ever.

“Seven or eight of the lads have played in at least one format of Interpro cricket, and on behalf of them, I can say we have loved the challenge.

“We have also competed against the best players in Ireland which can only improve us as cricketers. Hopefully we can draw on those moments in Jersey, when the pressure is on.”

Not only is their Hanley Energy Interprovincial experience in the squad but Tector, Varun Chopra and Josh Little all played in the last Under 19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

“That experience will stand to us, we know the standards expected of a quality Under 19 international side and as a squad we continually strive to reach that level.”

Growing up in a “cricket mad house” and competing with his brother Jack as they grew up, there is a determination to succeed in Harry Tector. There is also a competitive streak from trying to outscore Jack in their matches for YMCA CC.

Added to that leadership there is an exciting blend of talented cricketers playing good cricket and you believe Harry when he says Ireland Under 19s are ready going into the Qualifiers in Jersey.

Stay up to date with their progress throughout the week on Twitter with @irelandcricket who begin their campaign tomorrow against hosts Jersey.

IRELAND UNDER 19 SQUAD FOR WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Harry Tector (capt) (YMCA/Munster Reds), Ian Anders (Phoenix), Aaron Cawley (Cork County/Munster Reds), Varun Chopra (Coleraine), Mark Donegan (The Hills), JJ Garth (Pembroke), Jamie Grassi (North County/Munster Reds), Reece Kelly (Bready), Graham Kennedy (Ballyspallen/NW Warriors), Josh Little (Pembroke/Leinster Lightning), Sam Murphy (YMCA), Max Neville (Merrion/Munster Reds), Neil Rock (Rush), Morgan Topping (Waringstown).
Support Staff: Ryan Eagleson (Head Coach), Nigel Jones (Assistant Coach), Pete Johnston (Manager), Ian McGregor (Analyst), Niamh Connolly (Physio).

U19 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER FIXTURES
24 July
Ireland v Jersey (Farmers Field)
Denmark v Scotland (FB Fields)
25 July
Jersey v Scotland (Grainville)
Denmark v Ireland (FB Fields)
27 July
Ireland v Scotland (Farmers Field)
Denmark v Jersey (Grainville)
28 July
Denmark v Scotland (Farmers Field)
Ireland v Jersey (FB Fields)
30 July
Denmark v Ireland (Grainville)
Jersey v Scotland (FB Fields)
31 July
Denmark v Jersey (Farmers Field)
Ireland v Scotland (Grainville)

Cricket Ireland
Ireland Under 19s captain Harry Tector will hope for a good start against Jersey tomorrow
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