Updated: Apr 24, 2024 11:42 AM

Jamar Stovel in action for St George’s on his debut in Cup Match (File photograph)

Jamar Stovel is determined to build on his debut for Oxford Cricket Club in a preseason friendly at the weekend.

The Bermudian all-rounder helped his side to a ten-run victory over Horspath Cricket Club in a low-scoring affair at Jordan Hill Ground last Saturday.

Batting at No 9, Stovel scored four from 32 balls in what would prove a vital 26-run last-wicket partnership as his team posted 122 all out in 39.1 overs after being sent in to bat.

Despite failing to take a wicket with his seam bowling, the second-change bowler held his own with the ball as he went for 29 runs in a five-over burst before a dramatic collapse resulted in the opposition being dismissed for 112 in 34.1 overs with their last five wickets falling for 20 runs in just under ten overs.

Stovel was pleased to make his debut and happy with his performance.

“The match went fairly well and was my first match outdoors since September,” Stovel said.

“I didn’t have too many high expectations for myself as it was a practice match and my first time batting and bowling outdoors, so I was mainly just looking to ease my way into it.

“Batting -wise, I came in late order after a collapse with about 15 overs left and was told to get us to 120, so I just took my time, didn’t play any rash shots and ended up with a not out.

“Bowling-wise, I didn’t take any wickets. However, I was mainly just trying to find my rhythm and, considering it was my first time bowling from non-limited run-up, I felt pretty good.”

The 20-year-old Oxford Brookes University student, who made his debut in Cup Match for St George’s in 2021, now hopes to continue improving in the upcoming season.

“Going forward for the next couple weeks before the season starts, I’m just looking to keep improving as a whole each game and setting myself higher expectations each time,” said Stovel, who had a previous playing stint in England with Home Counties Premier League side Oxford Downs Cricket Club and plays domestically for Warwick.