Sylvans show they are able to compete

RESPECTABLE is the best way of describing Sylvans first appearance in Barclays Premier One. When the fixtures were announced there must have been a moment of dread at St Peter's having been handed a tough first match in the top flight against the reigning champions.

But the westerners handled the occasion well.

They certainly looked the part in their Taste of India-sponsored pristine red clothing and captain Pete Inniss even had the confidence to bat first after winning the toss.

When giving the reasons for that decision after the game, the Sylvans skipper showed that he had given the challenge much thought before he embarked on it.

'We thought if we can get a few runs on the board with the evening drawing in, we could make a game of it. Okay, we lost with eight or nine balls to spare but we did pretty well,' said Inniss.

'We could have done with 15 or 20 more runs to give us a good chance but it is all part of the learning curve for us.'

As it was, Sylvans scored 71 from their 15 overs. For much of their innings they were scoring at less than four runs per over which is nowhere near enough in top flight cricket if teams are to succeed, but much of that was down to a determination not to lose wickets on their debut.

In the St Pierre innings, the bowling was fair.

Young Blane Queripel bowled with a bit of zip, beat the bat on several occasions and realised that he cannot afford to bowl short otherwise he will be expensive.

Ivan Guille looked as innocuous as always and ended up with very acceptable figures - as always. And change bowlers Richard Gallienne and Inniss proved they can do a job.

No wonder the skipper was more than pleased with how things went on the opening day.

'Over the moon. Even though we lost, I thought we played very well. The lads are all pleased with how they did, they are chuffed with each other and I am happy that we all worked as a unit,' he said.

'St Pierre played well. They kept their heads, did not go out in a rush to win the game and we can learn how to play the game just by watching how they go about things.'

That was actually a very generous synopsis of the champions, who will need to improve.

Paul Wakeford, who captained Saints in the absence of Dave Hearse on Tuesday, was another who was impressed in the way Sylvans performed and said that he does not expect them to be pushovers this season.

'I think they will do all right. Without meaning to be disrespectful, they will give the likes of St Saviour's and Taverners a good game and there may be an upset here or there.

'They batted sensibly and gave us a decent game. I spoke to Pete after the game and he was pleased with how they did, as he should be. Once they find their feet they should be fine,' added Wakeford.

But even at this early stage of the season, the westerners are facing two vital games within the next 11 days.

On Thursday they meet Deutsche Bank Taverners and the following Wednesday Aon St Saviour's are the opposition.

Inniss believes that his side should be looking to take points from those games - if they don't the season could become a long, hard struggle.