Cobo through to semis after run-fest at KGV

PLENTY of open spaces, a hatful of runs and no little skill. Total Cobo beat Rovers by six wickets in a run-fest at the KGV, the first match of this season's Barclays Super Eights.

With no fielding restrictions and teams unsure how to set their fields, smart batting brought handsome rewards, bowling figures suffered and everyone had to do his fair share of chasing leather around the outfield.

Richard Hamilton and Mark Renouf set off at a pace, working the spin duo of Jeremy Frith and Gary Rich around the ground.

Three wickets fell quickly, Richard Headington undone by a great throw from the deep by Liam Smyth.

Newcomer Nick Derbyshire showed that he will be a fine acquisition, quickly working enough runs to hit the retirement figure of 25, as Hamilton had earlier done.

There was early success for Rovers as Stu Le Prevost holed out to long on off a full toss but although Matt Oliver nicked an edge behind off Derbyshire, Jeremy Frith was unbeaten back in the pavilion.

Gary Rich and TJ Ozanne came together for a brutal match-winning partnership.

Enjoying the steady seam-up of Renouf and Mark Smith, the two crashed the ball to great effect, bringing up the victory with an over to spare. Ozanne hit one huge six.