Oliver hits a third century

GUERNSEY go into the biggest game of the cricket season on a high. A 61-run victory in their final match before the inter-insular gave the Sarnians a major lift with the Jersey fixture now less than a fortnight away.

Matt Oliver's third century of an excellent season was the main highlight of the win over Sparsholt yesterday, but once again everybody contributed to the success.

At the host's small and picturesque ground, the Cobo left-hander's 128 laid the foundation for the large total of 276 for four in 45 overs.

It was by no means a chanceless knock - he was dropped three times in the gully region during his 138-ball innings - but he made the most of his luck and played some superb shots all-around the wicket.

His four sixes were all beautifully timed, as were his 16 fours, and he was particularly strong on anything over-pitched.

Oliver shared in useful partnerships of 47 with Glenn Milnes and 134 with Ami Banerjee, while the one failure came from Jeremy Frith against his own mainland club.

But Stuart Le Prevost provided the real fireworks.

Coming in at 181 for three with 10 overs remaining, the scene was ideally set for the Cobo captain and he was brutal as he smashed an unbeaten 65 from 32 deliveries, including five sixes and five fours. He lost two balls in the process.

Needing more than a run-a-ball always seemed like too big an ask for the home side and so it proved as the finished on 218 for eight, but the Guernsey bowlers were tested by the classy Tim Richings, who struck an impressive 68.

Milnes was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 49 from his 12 overs of off-spin and he should also have claimed Richings with his first ball, but Matt Jeffery dropped the chance at deep square.

The Kiwi showed the Rovers man how it was done later to give Gary Rich the first of his two wickets. Pierre Moody also took two and Banerjee one.