Optimists leave it to last ball

OPTIMISTS began their quest for the Cable and Wireless Championship title with a last-ball defeat of new hybrid side Wanderers. Chasing 202, Optimists needed nine off the last over, bowled by Spencer Noyon.

After Steve Queripel swished at and missed the first ball and skied the second to the keeper, Andy Biggins nudged a single. Mike Kinder edged the fourth through third man for four, then took a single, leaving Biggins needing to hit three to win. He did, the ball evading Tim Belton's slide at square leg.

It was an escape for Optimists. Biggins and Ian Damarell apart, none of the batsmen took command. Keith Le Cheminant bowled tightly and Pierre Moody was better than his figures suggest.

Wanderers' total was based on a classy 70 from Tim Duke, ably supported by Moody for the fifth wicket.

Kinder was as economical as ever, bowling four consecutive maidens. He needed to, as Optimists added 29 to their opponents' total with wides and no-balls.

Meanwhile, at KGV, Cobo held out against a spirited St Pierre run chase.

Glenn Milnes was unlucky to finish on the losing side. His was not the most fluent of knocks, but he was one away from a century when he hammered a pull straight at Peter Vidamour.

That stunning catch ended St Pierre's chances. Rob Turville skittled Dave Hearse and the match was over.

The Cobo total included solid efforts down the card. Openers Matt Oliver and Alex Hunter put on 71 before Oliver fell. The second wicket also added 71, as Hunter moved to his 50. Vidamour and Gary Rich took their side to maximum batting points.

Liam Smyth and Turville kept it tight with the ball, collecting four and five wickets respectively.

In Division Two, The Sirens opened their account with a 56-run defeat of Optimists Two.

The women's team, bolstered by five Jazz Hats players, scored 110 for 9 - Simon Le Friec top scoring with 38, Helen Johns adding 34 not out. In reply, Optimists Two were undone by Julia White, the advocate claiming four wickets.