AFTER Brambles cricket match fans were spoilt by having England bowler Stuart Broad play in the traditional annual game on the Cowes sandbank recently, the Island Sailing Club (ISC) are to play the first of a new yearly challenge match against local rivals, The Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, on Sunday.

The ISC, which has commissioned a new trophy for the event and who annually play against Hamble’s Royal Southern Yacht Club at Brambles Bank, initiated the new match to create more local interest, with both clubs already well supported.

The match will begin at 6pm, with at least an hour’s play expected, depending on the weather.

ISC team captain, John Allen, said: “We started this so a Brambles match becomes more of an Island event than the one we normally play against the Royal Southern.

“Both clubs are up for it and it should be very exciting.

“Rain will not stop play!”